Take on the 62-mile ‘Dogtober’ challenge to support Dogs Trust Manchester

Dog lovers across Tameside are being invited to lace up their trainers, and grab a lead, to help support rescue dogs this October.

Dogs Trust Manchester has launched a brand-new fundraising challenge, 62 Miles in Dogtober, encouraging supporters to walk, jog, cycle or even swim their way through 62 miles over the 31 days of October. That’s just two miles a day - an achievable goal for anyone looking to get active while helping dogs in need.

Participants can go solo, join forces with friends, family or colleagues, or bring their canine companions along for the adventure. Every step (or paw print!) taken will help raise vital funds to support Dogs Trust’s rehoming work across the UK.

Those signing up can set up a personal fundraising page at dogstrust.org.uk/dogtober, where friends and family can donate. Every penny raised will go towards providing essentials like food, bedding, enrichment, training and veterinary care for the hundreds of dogs currently being cared for at the charity’s 21 rehoming centres.

As a thank-you, everyone who registers will receive a free Dogs Trust T-shirt and an activity tracker card to mark their miles. Fundraisers who hit the target of £150 will also earn an exclusive Dogs Trust medal for their efforts, but there’s no minimum fundraising requirement to take part.

Ellie Shelford, Community Fundraising Manager at Dogs Trust, said: “The 62 Miles in Dogtober challenge is a fun and flexible way to support Dogs Trust dogs, as well as making sure you get out and about, with or without a four-legged friend.

“You can complete your 62 miles as quickly or as gradually as you like, at any location you fancy – from the beach to the back garden! If your canine companion fancies joining in, that’s fantastic, but no worries if not. All you need is a love of dogs and a desire to help those who have found themselves without a family of their own.”

The Dog’s Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, finding homes for thousands of dogs each year. Fundraising challenges like Dogtober help ensure every dog gets the care they deserve while waiting for their forever home.

So, whether you’re an avid runner, a weekend walker or just enjoy exploring the local park with your pup, this challenge is the perfect opportunity to get moving and make a difference.

To sign up or find out more, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/dogtober.