A Keighley woman who looks after abandoned and unwanted dogs aims to walk 127 miles to help a charity that safeguards Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
Beverly Bottomley, who lives in Riddlesden, will walk the length of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal towpath, setting off on Bank Holiday Monday.
Mrs Bottomley, 47, owns Cavendish Court Tearooms, off Lawkholme Lane. She currently cares for eight dogs and is looking to raise cash for Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue.
She explained: “I’ve decided to do this because last Christmas Eve, a staffie was abandoned outside my cafe.
“Even though I do dog rescue myself, I didn’t realise how bad the plight of this particular breed was. It is the second most abused and abandoned breed of dog in Britain. Some people just have no sense of responsibility.”
She said the dog dumped outside her cafe, who is called Sammie, has a loving new home in Keighley after a man offered to adopt her in January.
“I will be closing my business for a week while I do the walk,” she added. “Sammie will be doing the last 25 miles with me from Keighley to Leeds with her lovely new owner.”
People can support Mrs Bottomley by dropping into the tearooms and picking up a sponsorship form.
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