Fundraiser Wesley Dowd to undertake 100-mile trek for Rochdale Children's Moorland Home

Local fundraiser Wesley Dowd and his new rescue dog Butch will set off on their first of many fundraising walks for the Rochdale Children’s Moorland Home on Friday (23 June).

Wes is well-known locally for his fundraising efforts for the Moorland Home and is usually joined by his loyal dog, Finley, who – in Wes’ own words – “has covered more miles than a transit van.”

The Jack Russell, nine, recently retired after undergoing an eye removal operation, and requires regular medication for his remaining eye.

 

 

With Finley’s retirement, Butch, a fellow Jack Russell who was adopted by Wes two months ago from Pennine Pen Animal Rescue, will be picking up the mantle and joining Wes on his adventures.

The pair will be setting off on the 100-mile Lady Anne’s Way on 23 June, with Wes estimating a five-day completion time.

Lady Anne’s Way is a 100-mile journey from Skipton to Penrith through some of Britain’s most stunning scenery, passing through the Yorkshire Dales into Cumbria.

 

 

Wes, who has been nominated for the Man of Rochdale title in previous years, said: “We’ve raised £2,700 so far for the Moorland Home. It’ll take me and Butch five days with a tent on my back as Finley has now retired.

“Butch is only two but I’ll give him a great life. I’ve had him for eight weeks and he’s a cracker.”

The Rochdale Children’s Moorland Home is the oldest children’s charity in Rochdale, having provided holidays for disadvantaged children for over 120 years.

Each year between March and September, around 1,300 children receive a holiday they might not have had otherwise.

Donations can be made directly to the Rochdale Children’s Moorland Home via PayPal:

• www.paypal.com/GB/fundraiser/charity/3118104