Almighty trek for Nelly (From Gazette Series)

Almighty trek for Nelly

AN INTREPID three-legged Border Collie and her owners are to embark on a 200-mile trek across England.

Nelly and owners Tricia and Steve Todd, of Wotton-under-Edge, have organised the "Nellython" in June to raise money for the Cotswold Care Hospice.

The trek will follow the Coast to Coast walk along the route made famous by Alfred Wainwright in 1973, starting at St Bees Head, on the Cumbrian Coast, and finishing at Robin Hood's Bay on the Yorkshire Coast.

The couple hope to cover ten miles a day, with the aim of completing the walk in 21 days.

Nine-year-old Nelly lost her hind right leg last year after being hit by 4x4 vehicle at a junction.

Mrs Todd said: "Wotton-under-Edge is being very supportive and sporting our posters everywhere and many shops and pubs have accepted collecting tins. We knew that if we made Nelly the focus of the walk it would get more support and people have really latched onto her.

"We have got to walk slightly further than the 190-mile route because we have had to find places we could stay that accept dogs. Normally people walk 15 to 18 miles a day but we are hoping to average about ten so that Nelly can take it easy."

Mrs Todd continued: "In Wotton you are really aware of the Cotswold Care Hospice and the supporters group. I think it is a fantastic charity and everybody I know is connected to it in some way. We also wanted to raise money for a place where we felt it would have an effect.

"We are hoping to raise £1,000 but we don't know what the final total will be." In preparation for the trek, the trio have been walking along the Cotswold Way. Mrs Todd added: "The other day an American recognised Nelly on an 18- mile training walk. He photographed her and sent her image to Santa Barbara."

After the trek the couple will be holding illustrated talks at the Beaufort Arms, Hawkesbury Upton, on July 14 and at Wotton Civic Centre on July 15.