One man and his dog – in a kayak
AN animal-lover is to spend a week kayaking with his dog to raise cash for the RSPCA branch that serves Halton.
John Oakley has already raised more than £500 of his £1,000 target.
He will be paddling the 100-mile journey from Hull to Warrington with Max, who he adopted from the RSPCA, and camping alongside with his trusty companion in his customised jacket during the week-long trip.
Their adventure will begin on Sunday, September 18 in Goole and finish on Saturday, September 24.
John will be taking on the challenge in memory of his dad, who would have celebrated his 81st birthday on September 18.
John and Max are raising cash for the RSPCA Warrington, Halton And St Helens branch, which is a cruelty case boarding centre.
Animals in its care have been removed by inspectors due to neglect or abuse.
They are cared for by staff and volunteers until the prosecution cases come to an end.
Once the hearings are concluded the animals are signed over and the RSPCA begins the process of finding them a permanent and loving home, which can take time and patience due to the severe neglect and cruelty they have experienced.
John said: “After volunteering here for six months and seeing the fantastic work the RSPCA do, I decided I wanted to give more.
“I then discovered that Max, our adopted dog, loved kayaking with me.
“I thought this challenge would be a nice way for him to say ‘thank you’ for all the care he has received from the RSPCA.”
Natalie Bargery, RSPCA fundraiser, said: “We are so grateful to John for all he does volunteering for our branch.
“The staff, volunteers, and animals all love having John around and we want to help him raise as much money as possible on this epic adventure.”
Sponsor John and Max at https:// www.justgiving.com/fundraising/JohnOakley3 or text John24 £3 to 70070.