Leah goes to great heights for dogs trust
A SCHOOLGIRL who is in training to tackle a charity trek to Mount Everest base camp has had a behind the scenes tour of Dogs Trust Loughborough, for whom she is raising funds.
Leah-Mai Rimmington, 12, is hoping to raise at least £1,500 for the rehoming centre, which cares for hundreds of dogs every year which find themselves without a home.
Leah took a break from her rigorous training to pay a visit to the centre.
“I absolutely love dogs and to know that, however hard the challenge is, I am doing it for them and to make sure they get everything they need until they find their new families, will make it all worthwhile,” said Leah.
“I have been so excited about visiting Dogs Trust Loughborough and it was so lovely to finally get the chance to meet some of the gorgeous dogs as well as the staff who care for them.”
Leah’s mum and dad, Louise and
Dave, will join the 12-day Himalayan trek in April, which will cover 8,000m of ascent and descent and over 82 miles in ice-cold temperatures, facing the risk of altitude sickness, frostbite and hypothermia.
To prepare for the challenge, Leah’s training so far has included conquering Scotland’s, England’s and Wales’ highest mountains – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon respectively.
At the end of the month, she will tackle the notorious Fan Dance, a 15-mile route in the Brecon Beacons that is infamous within the ranks of all UK special forces who train there.
Ella Tonge, of Dogs Trust Loughborough, showed Leah around the rehoming centre.
“It was so lovely to meet Leah and her family,” said Ella. “She is a bundle of energy and her love of dogs shines from her, which is lovely. I hope when she is battling her way to the base camp next year and facing extreme conditions, she will be able to think of the dogs she met today and they will really spur her on.
“I am in awe of her and the training she is doing, and we are absolutely thrilled that she has chosen to support Dogs Trust.”
The money raised by Leah, who lives in Grantham, will go towards the running costs at the centre,
As of yesterday, she had raised £920 towards her goal of £1,500.
If you would like to support Leah, search “Leah’s Everest” at: