Hello everyone,

Thanks for visiting our JustGiving page.

A couple of months ago we realised that we were getting many extra requests for funding and rehabilitation - 2009 is a really difficult year for injured dogs who need help. Over a cup of tea we all brainstormed for fundraising ideas and this is the MADDEST one we came up with - SWIMMING THE ENGLISH CHANNEL! Then we realised

a) It would be VERY cold

b) Impossible as we are not fit enough

c) We wanted all our friends to have fun and join us

So what are we all doing and how are we swimming the Channel?  Well together (nearly 100 people and dogs) we are swimming 3,380 lengths of the Greyfriars pool.  That equals 33.8km (21 miles) and is the distance from Shakespeare's Bay, England to Cap Gris Nez, France (the usual route chosen by cross-Channel swimmers).  In between organising the whole day and looking after all the dogs and people taking part Kirsty and I will be swimming hard to keep up the run (swim) rate to make sure we get to France by the evening. We have been promised a bottle of champagne when we get there.

The Barney Fund was set up by Greyfriars in 2002 to provide funding for dogs in trouble who required physical rehabilitation so they could be rehomed.  Over the past 7 years many dogs, from all kinds of backgrounds, have been assisted by the Barney Fund.  These include dogs from Battersea, the RSPCA,  and the Dogs Trust.  The fund has paid for long term in-patient rehabilitation, MRI scans, x-rays, foster care, veterinary fees, and equipment for disabled dogs.

Anyway, PLEASE sponsor us.  Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by the UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

If you'd like to read more about the Barney Fund or about Greyfriars, please visit http://www.greyfriarsrehab.co.uk.

Thank you everyone.  Please dig deep to give help to other dogs who are not lucky enough to have mums and dads to help them.

Angela and Kirsty - Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioners at Greyfriars