In July this year Rich and I made the heart breaking decision to have our beautiful boy Leo put to sleep. He was a happy, energetic, intelligent dog but we'd noticed from the first few months of having him that things weren't right. From February this year Leo was seen by an independent dog trainer, dog behaviour specialist, had ongoing hydrotherapy with canine physiotherapists, multiple vet assessments, CT scans, X-rays, synovial fluid sampling, a consultation with a leading neurosurgeon in the field and was on a multiple analgesia medications regimen in response to a presumed diagnosis of tethered cord syndrome (TCS).

The hope had always been that we would be able to medically manage his condition and that the combination of pain meds and physio would allow him to live a comfortable life. Unfortunately this wasn't the case, and on the 3rd July we made what was without doubt the hardest decision either of us had ever had to make.

Leo was only 10 months old, but even in that short time he made such a huge impact on our lives, and was loved by everyone who met him.

I will never get over losing Leo, but I know it will get easier. It is such a recent loss that I know I am still in the depths of grief, but I have always found walking so very healing. It seems fitting that in order to honour his memory I do something that he would have absolutely loved- walking the length of the Cotswolds Way.... all 102 miles of it.

When thinking about which charity to raise money for it seemed obvious that dogs would need to be at the centre of it, but I also wanted to find something that represented the amazing relationships we have with our canine friends and the healing power of animals.

Therapy Dogs Nationwide is a volunteer led, registered charity dedicated to improving the health, happiness, and wellbeing of people across the UK through the power of canine companionship. The therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers visit hospitals, care homes, schools, universities, hospices, prisons, and community settings, bringing comfort, joy, and emotional support to those who need it most. I was particularly moved to learn about the Bark and Read scheme, where children can read to dogs as a way to improve their reading skills, confidence and self-esteem. Along with learning that TDN supports people in coroners courts, who often have to listen to graphic and distressing information about their loved one's death. As a Palliative Care nurse I deal daily with bereaved families, and it was heart warming to read about this area of their work.

Other than just asking for donations, I am also inviting anyone who may want to join me for some of my journey to come along and walk with me. I am hoping to complete the walk over 3 weekends in August. I know this is very short notice, but Leo would have been one on the 26th August so it feels really important to be doing it around that milestone. I will be dividing the walk into sections so if anyone is interested in joining (with or without a dog) please know you are welcome. I will aim to post the route sections and dates ASAP.

I know I am not the only person to have lost a furry friend- if you would like to make a donation in memory of a pet (doesn't have to be a dog), or even if you can't afford to donate but want to have your pet remembered please let me know their name and I will add them to my walking in memory of flag :-)