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| (Haden in my arms, middle far right.) |
It's such a special year for the walk, as its the 25th Anniversary, and we're very proud to be involved.
The launch was covered by the South Shields Gazette:
GREAT North Dog Walk boss Tony Carlisle is aiming to set tails wagging in a milestone year for the charity extravaganza.
The annual attraction is celebrating its 25th anniversary in June, and Mr Carlisle is aiming for a record-breaking 25,000 four-legged friends to join in the party.
The countdown to the silver anniversary dog walk got under way at South Shields Town Hall yesterday.
South Tyneside Mayor Coun Fay Cunningham joined a host of sponsors to give the civic seal of approval at the launch day for the walk, which takes place on Sunday, June 7, on The Leas in South Shields.
The silver success will be a part of a memorable summer for dad-of-four Tony as he is set to tie the knot with long-term partner Nicola Greenan in August.
In honour of the 25th anniversary of the event, which has raised millions of pounds for good causes, 25 charities will be supported on the day.
As well as a host of animal charities, funds will be raised for good causes such as St Clare’s Hospice in Jarrow and the Northumbria Blood Bikes team.
Mr Carlisle said: “We want as many people as possible to sign up for this great day out that brings together dog lovers from all over the North East.
“What better way of walking the dog on a Sunday than to be among so many other dogs and their owners, and to raise money for charity as well?
“The best present to mark our 25th anniversary would be to beat our record attendance from last year and get 25,000 people doing the Great North Dog Walk.
“Last year, we had 24,542 dogs, and I am confident that we can beat that this year and get more than 25,000.”
The former Harton Technology College teacher is delighted to mark 25 years after starting with just 13 dogs for company back in 1990.
Mr Carlisle added: “It’s something I never thought we would achieve.
“I am glad Coun Cunningham is here as South Tyneside Mayor, as she has been supporting the walk from the very start.”
Coun Cunningham said: “I am just so delighted to be here to support Tony in the 25th year of the dog walk.
“It is an absolutely wonderful event and is one of the biggest events of the year in South Tyneside, up there with the Great North Run.”
Of course being invited to be part of this fantastic event is just the start..... WE NOW NEED YOUR HELP!
Please sign up for the event and do the walk for SHAK. Its a great day out, and of course every penny you raise through sponsorship helps us save even more "Dogs On Death Row."
To receive your sponsorship form and your entry number please email fundraising@shak.org.uk or send a large SAE envelope to SHAK c/o 17 Kirklands, Burradon NE23 7LE (Please note that this is a postal address only and has no connection to the kennels or dogs.)
We are so proud to be invited to this event, and really want to help Tony reach his target of 25,000 dogs. Thank you in advance for your support.