Big Purple Dog Walk stories Sue and Bo

Sue and Bo’s Big Purple Dog Walk adventure

Sue Bennett is an avid supporter of MS-UK, and she joined the Big Purple Dog Walk in its second year with her puppy, Bo. Here’s how they got on…

When I saw the post about the Big Purple Dog Walk for 2022, I knew I had to take part again, particularly because I now have a puppy, the beautiful Bo my Sprocker (Springer Spaniel crossed with Cocker Spaniel), now nine months old.

I formed a team last year and we had so much fun posting pictures of all their adventures. I set a target for Bo of 100kms in the month and she has easily surpassed this, walking or running at least two miles a day. She loves her adventures and we love being part of that.

The other members of the team are Big Willow, Willow, Blitz, Hollie, Stormy, who all have been on walking adventures too, taking their owners to some lovely scenic places. We have a WhatsApp group which so helps to keep everyone connected and we regularly have chats about our pups.

This year has certainly been much more challenging, because everyone has been affected by lifestyle changes, including how the cost of living has increased, thus asking for charity donations have become harder. We haven’t raised what we had hoped, however every penny is precious and we are proud of what we have raised.

I think the Big Purple Dog Walk is such a brilliant idea! Dogs and puppies love adventures, and in a world where we often just hear such bad news, to see pictures of our beautiful pets having fun alongside their owners is such a tonic. Our team has become lifelong friends and we share our stories of what our pups are doing regularly.

My connections with this wonderful charity began in 2014/15 by accepting a charity place for the London Marathon, and I have run it every year since in my #TeamPurple vest. I have multiple sclerosis (MS) and love the way that the support this charity gives is in a very family orientated way. I love being able to raise money for MS-UK and know the money is used in a hugely beneficial way for those with MS.

My advice for next year is don’t hesitate to take part! You will have such a brilliant time with your pups and friends – keep connected and just share the fun, it is both inspiring and uplifting to spread the happiness!