Cornwall Search Dogs was set up to help the people of Cornwall by searching for missing people and lost dogs. The team have a wealth of experience in both search technique and dog training, and have been incredibly supportive throughout the search for our missing Golden Retriever Freddie. I've set up this fundraiser to help CSD raise enough funds to purchase their own drone, to provide aerial support in their search and rescues.

BACKSTORY

It has been 2.5 years since our beloved dog Freddie disappeared from Holywell Bay whilst we were on holiday. Four hundred miles from home, it is difficult to describe how alone and helpless we felt in those first few hours - trudging up and down the dunes, headlands and fields, praying for a flash of gold in the torrential downpour (thanks Storm Alex). I have never felt the phrase "needle in a haystack" more keenly.

However, thanks to the kindness of Cornish hearts, we were not alone for long! Help and support came in droves, and we soon had the invaluable support of Cornwall Search Dogs at hand. In those crucial first few days, CSD conducted thorough searches around Holywell, with Search Dog Maisy scouring the dunes and cliffs high and low. They then remained on standby with scent items, awaiting any confirmed sightings or promising leads. It has always been a great comfort to my family, knowing that these incredible tracker dogs and the expertise of their handlers are on hand should we need them.

Sadly, despite extensive searching, Freddie remains missing. However, I have watched CSD continue their incredible work, responding to 55 call-outs to assist with missing dogs in Cornwall in 2022 alone. They are always ready, going out of their way to provide their time and expertise to assist panic-stricken families like ours when the worst happens. And now, CSD needs our help.

THE CAUSE

CSD have now reached a stage in their growth and development that they need their own team based drone(s) to support the dog teams and respond accordingly. Aerial support is an invaluable asset in any search, but due to the nature of availability of volunteer drone pilots it is not always accessible to CSD in their required timeframe.

CSD are therefore hoping to raise money for at least one DJI Mavic Mini Pro 3 and accessories (£1018 each + running costs), to help them continue their incredible charity work.

THE FUNDRAISER

To help raise money for a CSD drone, I will be taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge. Yorkshire is my home, and Freddie's home. The 3 Peaks is a 24 mile round trip route encompassing the three highest peaks in Yorkshire and 1585m (5200ft) of ascent, to be completed within 12 hours! Yikes.

It would be incredible if you could donate and support, to make all those impending blisters worth it!

Thanks,

Jess