Bolton Hospice’s February Dog Walking Challenge has just one week of fundraising left.

154 people, and their pooches, are involved in the month-long challenge, walking 56 miles with their dogs across February.

Most participants have split the challenge into walking 2 miles per day, sponsored by friends, family and colleagues to brave the winter weather and hit their final 56-mile target.

Participant Rachel described the fundraiser as a chance to make a difference by doing something that’s part of her daily routine.

She said: “We’re really enjoying it so far.  Ronnie (dog) and I have been doing a couple of miles a day and a bit more at the weekend.  He’s a greyhound so he’s always bouncing around and excited for his next walk.  He’s a good lad.  My Dad passed away at Bolton Hospice very peacefully and dignified, so I wanted to get involved and raise some money.  He was incredibly happy at the hospice, considering why he was there. For a place where sad things happen, it’s a lovely environment.  The hospice is a massive lifeline for so many people, and I wanted to do my bit to make sure that other people can receive that care, too.  It’s local, it’s brilliant and should be protected at all costs.”

The February Dog Walking Challenge is a fundraising first for Bolton Hospice, developing from the popularity of previous digital challenges such as 100k May and 62 Miles in October.

Walkers record each trek on Strava so that they can easily track their progress.  They then share their updates on a Facebook group with other participants to boost group morale.

The final amount raised will be counted and announced once the challenge has finished.