Gorgeous 3-year-old Shih Tzu cross Bichon Frise, Ralph, and owner Megan Bell will be joining Pilgrims Hospices new charity sponsored dog walk – Paws for Pilgrims in Deal on Sunday, March 25.
They will be walking the 5K coastal route in memory of Megan’s dad, Frankie Bell, who was cared for at Pilgrims Hospice Margate. With the support of her family and friends she has already raised over £660 for vital care for even more local people.
Megan, who is 25 and works as an hotel receptionist at Pegwell Bay Hotel in Ramsgate, said: “Dad was only 58 years old when he was cared for by Pilgrims, he and Ralph were great pals and often shared walks together before he became ill. We are very proud to take part in his memory.
“Dad was cared for at Pilgrims Hospice in November 2016. During his time there, he was treated with the most amazing love and care. I cannot thank the wonderful staff enough for everything they did for Dad and our family. I want to raise as much money as I can for people who need care in the future. The hospice was a happy place for us and Dad said it was just like a hotel.
“I really admire the work the nurses and doctors put in day and night to ensure all their patients get the best quality care that they deserve. They really made my dad feel at home during his stay there.
“They also welcomed our family with open arms. Ralph visited Dad at the hospice every day and even knew which room to find him in. He also enjoyed going to visit the other patients and made friends with volunteers who often had treats for him.”
Megan said both she and Ralph are looking forward to taking part in the event.
She said: “Ralph is full of fun, we are really looking forward to the walk. It’s such a beautiful place and if people don’t know the area very well, it’s really worth a visit. A wonderful place for a doggy walk, and I’m looking forward to seeing lots of doggy pals for Ralph to walk with and enjoying the dog events after the walk.
The walk
The new 5k Paws 4 Pilgrims event will be held in Deal this Sunday (March 25) and will start at the Bandstand at 10.30am. All doggies taking part will receive their very own Pilgrims Dog Disc, as a thank you for taking part. There will also be some stalls and a Fun Dog Show thereafter, which is being managed by Jenkins Canine Services, with classes such as the Fastest Sausage Catcher and The Dog Most like its Owner.
Entry Fee on The Day: £15 per dog – Special Pilgrims Hospice Dog Medal to every dog. Registration opens at 8.30am.
Get involved
You can help raise funds for Pilgrims by sponsoring Ralph on Megan’s Justgiving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/megan-bell93. A small donation of just £1 can help make a huge difference to those who need care the most.
If you would like to register and join Paws 4 Pilgrims please visit www.pilgrimshospices/Paws4Pilgrims or contact Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Community Fundraising Manager [email protected] or call 01843 233 934.