On the 3rd of September 2017 I will drive from Mid Devon to Winchester, load all my gear into my saddle panniers and set out on my Appaloosa mare, Maddy, across the South Downs with the plan to arrive in Eastbourne on the 6th September, 4 days and 100 miles later.

Founder of 'The Pack Project', Laura Walker, works tirelessly in her 'free time' traveling Europe, to help these small rescues, often run by only one or two dedicated people in squalid conditions.

These amazing humans take on the often thankless (and sadly always endless) task of saving animals from kill shelters across Europe and finding them loving homes. They get no pay or reward for the hard, dirty work and gruelling hours they invest.

When I read the stories Laura writes about the women she's currently working with in a Romanian shelter I feel truly humbled by the love and huge dedication these wonderful people show to these poor animals.

So if we can help by improving the working conditions for them, and in turn the living conditions of their animals, while also helping reduce the issue long term by setting up spay and neuter projects then I urge you please to give whatever you can - no amount is to small!

'The Pack Project supports smaller European rescue centres, helping them promote dogs for adoption on a bigger scale than they are currently. By visiting the rescue centres and setting up processes for assessment, we hope to help potential owners get to know the dogs 'virtually' so they are confident in adopting them. There is also a spay and neuter program currently being established to reduce the stray populations of European countries.'

https://www.facebook.com/thepackprojectuk/

*I will be covering all my own expenses on this trip so every penny you donate will go to The Pack Project.

Many Thanks, Emma xx