On May 10th 2008, Clancy, my two year old border collie, and I will be setting off on our attempt to complete the 270 mile Pennine Way. The Way starts at Edale in Derbyshire and ends at Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders. It follows some of the most remote wilderness in the country and is renowned for its difficult navigation, arduous physical challenge and harsh weather.

We intend to complete the trek in a single attempt, unsupported and camping all the way. I expect the walk to take three weeks, averaging 15 miles a day. While I have done a reasonable amount of hill-walking, for Clancy the whole experience will be new.

We rehomed Clancy six months ago. He had been rescued by the Border Collie Trust from Ireland after his owner had died. When we first met him he was in a bad way. Physically he was underweight and suffering from a serious cough. More worrying was his psychological state. He was severely traumatised and terrified of everyone and everything. It was several weeks before he could be in the same room as us, and several more before he would allow physical contact.

Over the last few months though his confidence has grown and through his own bravery and trust he has been transformed into the most fun-loving little dog whose love of attention and affection is only matched by his desire to give it back! From being scared to walk out the front door, he is now the first in line to get his lead on and go for his walkies. Which is why the Pennine Way seems such a fitting milestone (or 270!) in his rehabilitation.

The trek is being self-funded so every penny donated will go straight to the Border Collie Trust. Without them I hate to think what might have happened  to Clancy. And the hundreds of other dogs they rescue, care for and rehome every year. Every penny you give will go towards helping dogs like Clancy who through absolutely no fault of their own are without a family.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Border Collie Trust GB will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Many thanks for your support.