Hearing dog charity asks Portsmouth residents to walk 70 miles in October and the discover the area's hidden gems
A charity is asking Portsmouth residents to discover more of their local area on foot this October, while raising money to help change the lives of deaf people.
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, which has a puppy training hub in Fareham, is inviting people to take part in the Great British Dog Walk, clocking up 70 miles throughout the month while exploring local landmarks and hidden gems on their doorstep.
People can complete the 70 miles however they like – by walking the same routes they know and love, by discovering new dog-friendly adventures, or exploring local landmarks. The 70-mile challenge symbolises the average £70,000 lifetime cost of a hearing dog, and every mile walked, and every pound raised through sponsorship, will help to train more life-changing hearing dogs.
One in three adults in the UK is deaf, has hearing loss or tinnitus. Many feel isolated, lonely and disconnected from the world around them. People taking part in the virtual walk will help provide expertly-trained hearing dogs and vital support services, bringing confidence, companionship and connection to people affected by hearing loss.
Alison, who is partnered with hearing dog Damson, became profoundly deaf overnight at age 13 and her whole world changed. Suddenly, anxiety and low confidence meant she only felt safe sleeping beside her mother.
With hearing dog Damson, her life transformed. Trained to alert Alison to important sounds, Damson gave her the confidence to rediscover her independence.
“With Damson by my side, I had the confidence to learn to drive and move out of my parents’ home. I also met my partner and we’ve had our first child.”
“She makes me feel I can give anything a try. I can’t imagine my life without her.”
There are plenty of ways for people in Portsmouth to rack up the miles. Here are just a handful of local walks and landmarks to inspire Great British Dog Walk participants – from strolling along the seafront and Southsea Common, to following the Millennium Promenade from Portsmouth Historic Dockyard through Old Portsmouth to Southsea Castle.
Walkers could explore the paths around Hilsea Lines, discover the wildlife and open spaces of Farlington Marshes, or take in spectacular views across Portsmouth, the Solent and the Isle of Wight from Portsdown Hill.
Other options include a walk around Canoe Lake and Eastney, or following sections of the Solent Way and England Coast Path.
Gina Evans, National Community Events Manager at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, said: “Every single person in Portsmouth who takes on a walking challenge for The Great British Dog Walk will be directly helping deaf people.
“They’ll also get the added benefit of the many physical and mental health benefits of walking and, if you choose to take on the challenge with friends, family, colleagues or much-loved dogs, the many emotional benefits of spending time with others and being in the great outdoors!”
It’s free to register and, those taking part can order a dog rosette to mark their achievement. The more someone raises, the more entries they will earn into the charity’s prize draw to win one of two multi-store £100 vouchers. Hit our fundraising milestones and you'll also receive an exclusive Great British Dog Walk water bottle.
To find out more, or to sign up to take part, visit: https://events.hearingdogs.org.uk/event/greatbritishdogwalk26