Stephanie Toogood is striding forward on a charity mission that is close to her heart. The veterinary nurse is taking part in Bowel Cancer UK’s ‘Walkies Together’ fundraising challenge with her four-legged friend Bobby.
Together they are walking 43 miles across September in support of the 43,000 people diagnosed with bowel cancer each year.
Stephanie is raising money for this charity as it is very close to her personally after losing her dad to the disease nine years ago.
Stephanie said: “Taking part in the walks has encouraged me to get out into the fresh air during a difficult month and is helping me significantly.
“It has been tiring and some walks have been more difficult than others, but I am loving the challenge.
“I also have a lot of supportive family and friends who encourage me every day I’m off walking and will come with me when they can.”
As well as fundraising for a worthy cause, Stephanie is using the challenge as an opportunity to explore new places, and get out and about during the hardest month of the year for her.
Her walks with eight-year-old Bobby, the family dog who they have owned since a puppy, have so far taken her to some local beauty spots including Tarr Steps, Montacute, Barrington Court and West Bay to Burton Bradstock, which has been their favourite walk so far.
Stephanie added: “I hope that my fundraising with these walks makes a difference to those struggling with the disease, and also helps their loved ones and that one day, we live in a world where nobody dies of bowel cancer. Every amount of money raised is one step closer to that.”
Those wishing to donate to Steph’s charity walks can do so by visiting https://fundraise.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/fundraisers/stephtoogood
