The Chalkland Challenge Walk

This year Hearing Dogs for Deaf People are celebrating 30 years of excellence in training dogs to alert deaf people to specific sounds. To mark this occasion we are asking people to "Come Walkies" and take on the 30, 16 or 3 mile Chalkland Challenge Walk on Saturday 8 September 2012 to raise vital funds.

Part of a series of Come Walkies sponsored walks happening across the country the Chalkland Challenge Walk takes you through the varied and tranquil countryside of the mid Yorkshire Wolds passing through the pretty villages of Great Givendale, Bishop Wilton, Thixendale and Millington. And should 30 miles be a step too far for you there is also a 16 mile and 3 mile route to choose from all starting and finishing at Pocklington Scout Hut, East Yorkshire.

If you are not able to take part perhaps you could come along and help on the day? We are looking for people to marshal the route, serve refreshments and to cheer on our walkers so if you can help please get in touch.

Hearing dogs provide deaf people with independence, confidence and companionship, which helps relieve the stress, isolation, loneliness and depression that deafness can bring.

With no government funding, we rely on people raising funds on our behalf. Every penny raised in sponsorship through the Chalkland Challenge Walk will help us to provide more life changing partnerships.

The charity trains hearing dogs to alert deaf people to important household sounds and danger signals. These include alarm clocks, doorbells, smoke alarms and fire bells in the home, the work place and also in public buildings. There are currently around 750 working hearing dogs assisting the lives of severely and profoundly deaf people across the UK.

Lucy Nalton, Community Fundraising Manager says 'Please Come Walkies for Hearing Dogs, with the three difference routes to choose from there is a challenge for everyone'.

For more information or to register to take part in the Chalkland Challenge Walk please contact Lucy on 01759 322255 or lucy.nalton@hearingdogs.org.uk or visit www.hearingdogs.org.uk.

About Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is a registered charity that trains dogs to alert deaf people to household sounds and danger signals such as the doorbell, telephone and smoke alarm - providing life-changing independence and confidence. Dogs are donated for training by breeders and members of the public and when possible they are selected from rescue centres. The Charity also has its own breeding scheme. Hearing Dogs provides a national service and no charge is made to recipients. Since its inception in 1982, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People has placed more than 1600 hearing dogs and has around 750 current working partnerships.

For further information please contact: Lucy Nalton (Community Fundraising Manager) T: 01759 322255 M: 07769 901292 E: lucy.nalton@hearingdogs.org.uk www.hearingdogs.org.uk