NOWZAD International Sponsored Dog Walk in Purton

NOWZAD DOGS - Rescuing stray and abandoned animals in Afghanistan and Iraq

On Saturday, October 8th, 1st Purton and Lydiard Scout Group and Purton Veterinary Group are joining together to support a UK and International Sponsored Walk for NOWZAD Dogs.  As Wootton Bassett becomes Royal in October, we thought it would be a nice idea for our village to hear about something positive that has come from the war in Afghanistan and how we can help this charity started by British marine 'Pen' Farthing.  (See www.nowzad.com to hear all about this charity and you can read the books!)

The aim of the charity this year is to walk the distance from the UK to Now Zad, Afghanistan, collectively!  A huge total of just over 3,631 miles!  We are confident that with everyone taking part with or without a four legged friend that we can help walk this distance and the charity to reach their target!  The Scout Group will be working towards their International Friendship Award and this event will coincide with learning about this Country and the Scouting that is happening there.

We will be offering a 2 mile or 5 mile walk around the lovely Purton countryside with staggered starting times from 2-3pm.  We expect to be finished approx by 5pm depending on your chosen walk.  You can take part with a dog or without!  All dogs MUST be accompanied by an adult! (woof woof).  All sponsorship money raised from our walk will contribute to the charity's work, in particular to Vet Education and a Neutering Programme, as well as animal rescue.

To organise this event we do need a registration fee of £1 per person and adults have the option of paying £10 for a special T-shirt, wristband and keyring (sorry this pack from Nowzad is only offered to adults).  There is also a prize for the person collecting the most sponsor money.  Purton Vets are also holding a raffle which will be drawn on the 8th.

Maps will be available on the day for routes.  All participants do so at their own risk and we ask that all dogs are kept on a lead.  You need to wear suitable footwear and clothing and have a supply of food and water for yourselves and doggie as required, and of course some poop scoop bags!  This event will take place come rain or shine and will commence from The Angel Car Park.  Please try to leave your car at home as parking will be limited.  Please ensure you adhere to the Highway Code when out walking at all times.

Approximate start times will be as thus - 5 mile walkers at 2pm, 2 mile walkers at 3pm.  You will be requested to register before starting off and sign back in on completion for a special certificate.

We hope you will support this event and enjoy the participation as well as supporting such a worthy charity!  The stories behind the rescues are amazing, not to mention how these dogs have often sustained the morale of our troops in Afghanistan. A dog - man's best friend!

With our thanks,

Jan Fisher on behalf of                               Jos Lander on behalf of
1st Purton and Lydiard Scout Group            Purton Veterinary Group