Could you walk a marathon (or half) for older people and dogs?

Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale, working in partnership with Burns Pet Nutrition, is running its first ever dog walking fundraiser.

People are being encouraged to take their four-legged friends on plenty of adventures – walking the length of a marathon (26.2 miles) or a half marathon (13.1 miles) throughout September.

The ‘Take the Lead’ campaign will raise funds for Age Connects’ Cardiff and the Vale branch which works to prevent loneliness and isolating faced by vulnerable older people.

Karen Steele, Age Connects Marketing and Partnerships Manager, said: “A sponsored dog walk is a great way to get animal lovers out for a bit of exercise and fresh air.

“It also provides a much-needed opportunity to ask supporters to fundraise to help us reach out to even more local older people facing loneliness and isolation and the challenges it brings.

“We urge people to please join us throughout September, take the lead and let’s make a real difference in putting an end to older isolation.”

Are you ready to take the lead?

The campaign will also support our paw-some pals – for every £1,000 raised collectively through ‘Take the Lead’ Burns Pet Nutrition will be donating vital dog food supplies to local animal shelters.

Although participants will be taking on the marathon (or half marathon) distance individually within their own time and preferred locations, they will be united as the ‘Take the Lead’ team to help end older isolation.

Simply head to the Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale @ACCV Facebook page to find out more and sign up to join the team.

Alternatively, if you are unable to take part, you can still show your support by making a donation via Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale’s Facebook fundraiser.

For more information about the walk and to join or support this challenge, visit the Age Connects September Dog Walking Challenge Facebook Group via https://fb.me/e/1Ffn6vUHb