Calling all dog-lovers! Cumbrian dogs and their owners are being urged to get behind a special fund-raising drive to help Eden Valley Hospice.

The Four-legged 500 will aim to mobilise an army of spaniels, terriers, labradors and other pooches to raise money for the charity which has been hard hit during the Covid-19 crisis.

In normal circumstances a sponsored dog walk would have been organised as an ideal way to raise funds, but now it is hoped dogs and their owners will go on a special walk and donate £5 to the hospice.

Wragg Mark-Bell hopes to raise at least £500 over the next few weeks.

We are already known for being the most dog-friendly business in Carlisle with many of our staff working in offices alongside our dogs. We've also organised a number of dog netwalking sessions to enable people who bring their dogs to work to meet up for monthly walks.

Now we're using our love of dogs for a good cause to raise money for Eden Valley Hospice which provides hospice care for adults and children from across north Cumbria.

The charity’s fundraising shops have been closed during the lockdown and many events that would normally have raised money for the hospice have been cancelled.

Wragg Mark-Bell paralegal Sarah Heal says the firm has already been able to raise £1,200 for the hospice during Make a Will Month.

She added: “We like to support local charities and in particular Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw. They are an important part of Carlisle.

“I had a friend who spent time in the hospice before she died last year and I think the work they do is fabulous.”

Wragg Mark-Bell solicitor Sara Budniak said she was planning to take her dog Rocco out on a special walk as part of her contribution to the four-legged fundraiser.

“Getting out and about with your dog has been a real solace for so many people during the lockdown. So we thought it would be a good way to celebrate our love of dogs and continue our fundraising for the hospice with this campaign.

“Eden Valley Hospice does such amazing work, but they need our support more than ever to continue providing that care,” she said.

“We’d love to see pictures of people out and about with their dogs - either on our Facebook page or using the hashtag #fourlegged500,” Sara added.

If you and your dog would like to take part in the Four-legged 500 then all you need to do is go on a special walk together and then donate £5 on this JustGiving page.