Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On 20th September, I, along with some lovely friends will be completing the Seven Sisters Hike from from Seaford to Eastbourne.

Distance : About 13 to 13.5 miles (20 to 22 km)

Duration: Takes about 5 to 7 hours of steady walking

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging due to the continuous steep ups and downs.

I am doing this in memory of Sophie, my beautiful Akita and Rottweiler cross animal companion who crossed the rainbow bridge on 1 August 2026. She was adopted from The Friends of Akitas Trust UK and this is the amazing charity that I will be raising funds for.

Sophie (brown in the picture) and Leonard (the other dog in the picture) are both at the rainbow bridge now, playing together. They both inspired me to do much more and to really try to live a good life and to contribute to society as much as I can.

Leonard inspired the creation of Leonard's Lunchbox, a dedicated pet food bank and community project while Sophie was the inspiration for my ongoing volunteering work with the Pet Loss Support Hotline run by the Blue Cross, a life line for many. She is also the inspiration for my ongoing support for The Friends of Akitas Trust UK (https://www.friendsofakitas.co.uk/), a wonderful, caring and responsible charity that cares for these amazing dogs that are beautiful, elegant, magnificent and often misunderstood.

An animal companion is part of the fabric of modern day life - providing emotional and mental support and at times, a reason to go out and interact with people for many. Their consistency and constancy is something that many have experienced and attest to. Yet, they are also often the parts of our society that are neglected.

Sophie was loved by all who met her. She was protective, loyal, intuitive, friendly and wise. I feel very grateful to have had stewardship for 10 years and that she got to the grand age of 16. Among many things, she taught me presence and non-attachment. Not a day goes by that I do not think of her.

Thank you all for reading and in advance for any support by donations or good thoughts.

Thank you for reminding me that we are eternal Sophie. Till we meet again.

Grace

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