In November, I will be walking 25km over two days, to raise money for three veterinary centres who cared for my dog Roo. Roo suffered from canine auto-immune disease which is a life-limiting condition in dogs, managed by medication, but not cured. It takes various forms, some are thought to be carried genetically while others are brought on by trauma or triggered by other illness.

In the case of Roo, a handsome collie x hunterway, he picked up meningoencephalitis when he was 18 months old. This virus infection triggered the onset of the auto-immune disease. After his initial traumatic, near fatal illness, diagnosis, subsequent on-going medication and suffering the occasional flare-up, he none the less lived an energetic and happy three more years, until he died aged 4 ½.

I will be sharing the money raised, between my local veterinary clinic at Mainstone in Romsey where Roo was loved and cared for by all the staff since he was a puppy; the PDSA (on behalf of Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists in Ringwood who diagnosed Roo’s illness and saved his life in that first instance); and on behalf of Vetsnow Out of Hours veterinary clinic in Winchester, where Roo was cared for during his final hours, Pet Blood Bank Uk.

The walk will be a circuit from my home, taking in many of the favourite places I walked with Roo, including Broughton Down, Stockbridge Marsh, Stockbridge Down and Danebury Hillfort.

My dog's veterinary support was wonderful and all the vets involved over the years were so caring, right up to the very end. This fund-raising walk is to say a big 'thank you' to them all and to show my appreciation of their hard work and dedication, and in memory of my buddy, Roo. Fellow dog-owners and lovers, these specialist centres could benefit you all at some time, and more importantly of course, your beloved canine companions.

I hope to raise at least £100 for each cause (more if possible!) so please do give as much as you can and spread the word to all your dog-owning/loving friends.

Thank you. Julia