Hundreds of dog walkers and their furry friends will be taking part in the Great British Dog Walk in September.

It is the first time the event has come to Heaton Park and organisers are hoping it will raise support and money for the charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

Carina Hummel, general manager at Specsavers Audiology, which supports the Great British Dog Walk, said: “It is an excellent way for people to have fun, get some exercise, meet like-minded people and perhaps most importantly, meet lots of cute dogs while supporting a good cause.”

It costs around £40,000 to fully train and support a hearing dog which then goes on to alert deaf children and adults to important, life-saving sounds.

They also help to provide excellent company and companionship.

Carina said: “If every person who walked the Great British Dog Walk raised just £10 above the cost of their event ticket, the charity could fully train another dog to alert deaf people to important and life-saving sounds that they would otherwise miss.

“We’re so proud of our involvement in the Great British Dog Walk and the fact that it helps to transform the lives of deaf people. We’re very much looking forward to the walk at Heaton Park and hope lots of people in the area will come along and show their support.”
On the day there will be two walk options, 3km or 5km, so walkers can choose what is best for them and their dogs.

There will also be the option of a mass start at 10 am or a later, quieter start time depending on their personal preference.

Christine, from Stockport, currently benefits from a hearing dog, she said: “My hearing dog Jessie, and my other dogs before her, have changed my life. Jessie is my ears, alerting me every day to important sounds that I would normally miss, like the alarm clock, oven timer and in an emergency, the smoke alarm.

“Jessie also provides lots of emotional support, helps me to feel less isolated and when I am out and about she really breaks the ice as her burgundy jacket tells people I have hearing loss, which really helps me.

“People are amazed by what Jessie does for me and I really can’t put into words just how much easier my life is because of her. Everyone who walks the Great British Dog Walk will be helping Hearing Dogs for Deaf People to train more hearing dogs that will change people’s lives just like Jessie has changed mine."

Each dog will receive a free bandana and anyone raising over £50 will receive a free gift. 

Tickets are £10 per adult but children under 16 can go for free there will be on-the-day registrations but advanced online booking is advised.

To sign-up for the Great British Dog Walk at Heaton Park, click here.