DOGS have been invited to get dressed up and bring their well-behaved owners to a special Christmas walk.
Scores of the four-legged friends are expected to turn out for The Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation’s first ever Santa Paws, a festive dog walk through spectacular Colchester scenery not usually open to the public.
The event, set to run on December 4, will see them choose between a three-mile or one-mile walk to raise money for young people with cancer. It comes as Tom’s beloved dog Barney is currently fighting his own cancer battle, and being treated with the same chemotherapy drugs as his human owner.
Nikki Bowdidge, CEO and Founder of The Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation, said: “We already have amazing Santa runs in Colchester, but we really wanted to do something Christmasy to celebrate. We don’t seem to have anything with dogs, so we thought ‘why not’!
“We love our dogs, we love dressing them up and we think this is something that will just look spectacular. All dogs will be given their own dog bandana, but we don’t want to let that stop them going all out. If you’re a dog and you like getting dressed up, go for it.
“Emma, Tom’s sister, will be bringing her beautiful dog Bruce on the day, and we are keeping our fingers crossed Barney will also be feeling up to it. But as he is currently suffering what his human dad went through we won’t be making a decision until closer to the time. He is responding well to chemotherapy, which is really positive.”
Santa Paws will be held at St Mary’s Lower School, London Road, Colchester, and explore across nearby Bellhouse Woods, parts of which are usually closed to the public, with starts times from 10am to 1pm. Walkers will be welcomed back with hot drinks and mince pies.
Four-legged friends go free, while adults can book their tickets for £10 in advance or £13 on the day. Both include a free dog bandana and Santa hat. Children aged three and over are £5 in advance, or £6 on the day, which include reindeer antlers, while twos and under go free.
To book your tickets here
