No pooch? No problem! Why not borrow a doggy?

Meet Ralph, his wife Chris, and adorable borrowed cockapoo Charlie. All through the month of March, the trio from Hadham Cross in Hertfordshire are pounding the streets to take part in MS-UK’s Big Purple Dog Walk.

The Big Purple Dog Walk sees pooches up and down the UK don purple bandanas and put their paws to the pavement to complete walking challenges all through the month of March. It’s a paw-some way to get out of the house, boost the health of you and your pooch, all while raising money for a brilliant cause.

Chris has multiple sclerosis (MS) and when the couple heard about The Big Purple Dog Walk they decided to take part, despite no longer owning a dog. “Through BorrowMyDoggy, [a site that matches dog owners with people who don’t currently own a pooch but would like to spend time with one] we found a perfect match in Charlie, a lively and well-mannered cockapoo who is a year old,” says Ralph. “Since last October, we have had Charlie every Friday afternoon. I take him for a long walk to try and wear him out, but he’s got much more energy than I have!”

Because Chris can no longer walk as fast or as far now due to her MS, it’s mostly Ralph who will be walking Charlie on their March challenge, but Chris will be waiting on the sofa for cuddles with when he returns. “We decided to do the Big Purple Dog Walk because it’s a good cause to support,” explains Ralph. “Chris has used many of MS-UK’s services and found them very helpful.”

Breeds of all shapes and sizes will be taking on all sorts of challenges including walking three times a day, walking a mile a day, walking a new route each day and many more.

All dogs who sign up to take part in MS-UK’s challenge receive their very own purple bandana so they can stomp the streets in style. And if they fundraise more than £100, each pooch will receive a beautiful rosette and a certificate for their achievement.

£100 is enough to provide two counselling sessions to someone with MS to support their mental health.

Could YOU take on the Big Purple Dog Walk challenge? Could you borrow a doggy?

To sponsor Ralph, Chris and Charlie, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ralphcamp

To find out more and sign up, click the button below