Rochdale Observer

Nina’s pet project follows her battle to beat eating disorder

- Flora.byatt@reachplc.com @florathejo­urno

AWOMAN who has previously battled an eating disorder is holding a charity dog show to raise money for mental health and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

Last year Nina McArthur, from Littleboro­ugh, recovered from her eight-year struggle against her disorder.

During her fight, she had three in-patient stays and nearly lost her life three times.

Nina, 28, also came very close to taking her own life.

Now, she wants to help other young people get the support they need as soon as they can, to prevent them

getting to such a low point.

The dog-lover was watching Crufts when she came up with the idea of a novelty dog show and family fun day to raise cash for Mental Health UK.

Despite Nina’s many other fundraisin­g challenges - a charity spin session at Rochdale Leisure Centre, a karting endurance Race at Teamkartin­g Rochdale, a triathlon for Rochdale Tri Club, climbing Scafell Pike and Mount Snowdon - Nina says organising the dog show is the hardest thing she’s ever done.

She is aiming to raise £4,000 for Mental Health UK and Alder Hey.

Nina said: “I just want to raise awareness and money for young people to get help. The dog show is the biggest and most complicate­d thing I’ve done.

“But everyone wants to support causes like this.

“I wanted to put on a dog show and family fun day, and that’s how it’s grown.”

Nina is using her own dog, chihuahua Gizmo, as a poster dog for the day.

It will take place on Sunday, August 4, at Littleboro­ugh Rugby Club from 10am to 5pm.

Kids are free, but entry is £5 for adults.

Car parking is free.

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 ??  ?? ●●Nina McArthur and chihuahua, Gizmo
●●Nina McArthur and chihuahua, Gizmo

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