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Sep 15, 2022
Julia King, a member at our Mansfield health club is asking for pennies as she paddles by taking on a swimming challenge for canine charity, Dogs Trust.
Julia, a regular contributor to several animal charities, including Dogs Trust, decided to take on the task of raising money for the good cause during her regular morning swim at the health club.
Julia said: “I generally swim several times a week and usually swim a mile each time. I’ve been a supporter of Dogs Trust for a long time – my own dog, Winston, is a rescue – and I saw the challenge and thought ‘why not?’
“So I ordered my yellow cap and hit the pool.”
Dogs Trust, which has 21 rehoming centres throughout the UK, purpose built to meet the needs of nearly 14,000 dogs that pass through its doors each year, has invited fundraisers across the to swim between one and 21 miles over a period of eight weeks, beginning on 1 August.
However, water baby Julia has already smashed the top target, racking up 32 miles in less than six weeks, so she’s now set her sights on hitting 50 miles by the end of the month.
Julia continued: “Everyone at Bannatyne has been incredibly supportive, with staff and other members giving me a little wave when they see my fetching bonnet bobbing up and down in the pool. It’s the first time I’ve done anything like this, and it’s so tiring, but totally worth it.
“Dogs Trust is a fantastic cause, helping the thousands of dogs every year that find themselves homeless, and I’m delighted that I’ve already smashed the 21-mile target and am able to go for a higher one I’ve set myself.
“The charity relies on people like me to raise funds for the essential work it does so that dogs like my Winston can go one to have happy and settled futures after what might have been a negative start. They’re amazing.”
Martin Atkins, general manager at Bannatyne Mansfield, said: “Julia has been absolutely inspirational, coming in almost every day and ticking those miles off for Dogs Trust.
“She’s shown dedication to the challenge and real stamina to keep going, all the while with a smile on her face.
“Good luck for the end of the challenge, Julia. We’re rooting for you.”
To donate to Julia’s Dogs Trust Doggy Paddle Challenge, visit
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/julias-swim-for-the-dogs-trust-doggy-paddle-c?fbclid=IwAR3Sd9xxo1QdpdSO2EXGTgRroEfOH3h-gfN2sbYLMljD6w4uinO9D5dUvQc
