Top dog receives goody bag for Big Walkies success

RSPCA Sussex North branch is celebrating the success of Bailey, an Akita/Shepherd cross, who has been crowned the highest fundraiser at the RSPCA Big Walkies event, which was held in October at Southwater Country Park.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Dec 2015, 11:01 BST
Baily picking up his goody bag SUS-150812-110436001Baily picking up his goody bag SUS-150812-110436001
Baily picking up his goody bag SUS-150812-110436001

The inaugural event is believed to have raised around £1,000 for the local RSPCA branch which covers Horsham, Crawley and Haywards Heath.

Bailey was the top fundraiser, gaining sponsorship of over £115.

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In appreciation of Bailey’s, and his family’s, support RSPCA Sussex North presented him with a doggy goody bag donated by RSPCA partnership clinic, Arthur Lodge Veterinary Surgery.

Anita Marsland, chair of RSPCA Sussex North branch, said “I am delighted that Bailey was the highest fundraiser for the branch at Big Walkies this year and to present him with a well deserved goody bag. Well done Bailey!”

Four year old Bailey was adopted from RSPCA Leybourne Animal Centre, in Kent, by Andrea Grounds and her husband John, from Broadbridge Heath.

“Bailey joined our family when he was 18 months old after spending quite a lot of his early life at RSPCA Leybourne, said Andrea. “He’s a real character and we are so happy to have him with us.

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“The whole family supports the RSPCA and my husband used to work there. We admire the work done by the inspectors and the dedicated staff and volunteers at the rescue and rehoming centres as well as the campaigning and lobbying work done at national level.”

The presentation of the goody bag to Bailey, and his owners John and Andrea, took place at the RSPCA charity shop on East Street in Horsham on Sunday December 6 and was made by Anita Marsland, branch chair.

The charity shop, which is a joint venture between the RSPCA Sussex North branch and the RSPCA Sussex, Chichester & District branch, opened in Horsham in October.

“As a self­ funding charity, we rely on people fundraising and donating so we can continue to help animals in Sussex who need our services. It’s thanks to the support of people like Andrea and John that we will be able to continue,” said Anita.

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“We are really hoping that we’ll be successful in our bid to host another Big Walkies in 2016 and that Bailey will be out again to support us!”

You can find out more about RSPCA Sussex North branch at www.rspca­sussexnorth.org.uk

Report and picture contributed by RSPCA Sussex North.

Related topics:RSPCASouthwater Country Park