North Wales Police Officer and NHS Nurse Complete ‘gruelling’ challenge in Aid of Retired Police Dogs
A North Wales Police Officer and NHS nurse have completed the Three Peaks challenge in less than 24 hours in aid of retired police dogs.
PC Shannen Finnerty, from North Wales Police’s Flintshire North team, and Kate Roberts set off on Saturday 21st March to scale the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales.
After conquering Ben Nevis that afternoon, they travelled south to Scafell Pike in Cumbria, then back into Wales to finish their mission on Yr Wyddfa – the whole journey taking 23 hours and 40 minutes.
Driving 462 miles, walking 26 miles and elevating 3,000 metres, the pair had one mission in mind: helping retired police dogs. Their trek was all in aid of the registered charity Paws Off Duty who contributes towards veterinary and welfare costs for retired North Wales Police dogs.
Under current regulations, police dogs used for general purpose or drugs work are funded by their force until they leave service, usually between the ages of eight and ten. After retirement, however, financial support stops – leaving their handler, or in some cases a new owner, to cover all ongoing costs.
For older dogs, those costs can be high. That’s why Paws Off Duty was established in 2015 by PC Jackie Edwards of North Wales Police.
Jackie said “On behalf of the charity, I cannot thank Shannen, Kate and their sponsors RNW Towing enough in completing this gruelling challenge, raising awareness and vital funds for our charity.
“They set a goal of £2,000, and that quickly grew over three months, incredibly raising over and above this which is fantastic!
“Without the help and support of these kind individuals and our volunteers who step up to support the work that we do and support our fundraising, there would be no North Wales retired police dog charity to assist with the vet and welfare costs of our retired dogs, no matter how long or short their service.
“Those who have continued to support and donate to Paws Off Duty over the last eleven years – diolch yn fawr!”
So far, Shannen and Kate have raised an amazing £2,765 for the charity who last year distributed around £8,000 towards veterinary and welfare costs for retired dogs.
Shannen said: “It took us 23 hours and 40 minutes to complete the three highest peaks in the UK, fuelled by coffee and grit!
“Thank you to everyone for the donations which will make a massive difference for Paws Off Duty and the work they carry out.”
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