Staff at Dogs Trust Bridgend back fundraising duo as they “Sweep” the nation -

Two cycling enthusiasts are gearing up for a 1,078-mile cycle ride from Lands End to John O’Groats. The fundraising event leaves Lands End on 26 April and arrives in John O’Groats on 11 May.

Paul Walters and brother-in-law Christopher Widdecombe are currently in training. The cycle event – the equivalent to 42 regular marathons – starts on 26 April. Come rain or shine, Paul and Christopher will have to brave the elements and cycle approximately 80 miles each day in order to arrive in John O’Groats on 11 May.
In November 2006, Paul underwent a period of severe illness. It was during this time that Paul first met Sweep – a ten week old puppy who had been thrown into a nearby stream and left for dead – a meeting that would change Paul’s life forever.
One morning in early March 2007 a local neighbour spotted a small abandoned puppy hiding in bushes and tangled up in brambles. Once alerted Paul threw himself into action and waded across the stream to retrieve the puppy. This was to be the start of a remarkable friendship.
The puppy, now called Sweep, was immediately rehomed with Paul and his wife Lesly and has since become Paul’s main focus in life. During the last 12 months and under the careful supervision of Rachel and Lisa, the dog trainers at Dogs Trust Bridgend, Sweep has grown into a handsome and highly intelligent adolescent.
Paul explains: “Everyone comments on how friendly and affectionate Sweep is especially considering the awful start he’s had in life. Many of my neighbours know about Sweep’s background and of how we saved him from near drowning. What people don't know is that really Sweep was the one who saved me. And for that I am eternally grateful.”
 
Paul continues: “Thanks to the people at Dogs Trust in Bridgend Sweep is now a bright, happy go lucky dog. That’s why this charity event is in honour of him and the help we received from Dogs Trust.”
Paul hopes to raise £2,000 for Dogs Trust in Bridgend. To sponsor Paul on his cycle tour of the UK visit http://www.justgiving.com/paulandchrisLEJOG

Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, caring for over 16,000 stray or abandoned dogs through its network of 17 Rehoming Centres across the UK.  Dogs Trust is working towards the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction.

To further information on Dogs Trust call 020 7837 0006 or visit www.dogstrust.org.uk

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For further press information call Caroline Hook on 020 7833 7676 or email caroline.hook@dogstrust.org.uk