Frozen trek aids Banbury charity

A pawnbroking expert and dog-lover from Banbury has raised more than £6,000 for Dogs for Good, by completing a gruelling four-day trek across Finland.

Michael Suter, head of pawnbroking and retail jewellery at Capital Cash, the UK's largest Cash Converters franchise, braved the sub-zero temperatures during a four-day Arctic adventure involving walking, skiing and husky-sledding.

Starting in Hossa, in north-east Finland, Michael and his partner Kelly, along with a team of eight others, made their way across the country's frozen tundra last month.

Michael said : “It was a privilege to be able to raise vital funds to support Dogs for Good. The charity is completely self-funded, and I have first-hand seen the impact of these dogs, and how they can transform lives.

“The challenge was no mean feat though. We hit temperatures of -12 degrees, and were trekking through snow and ice for hours every day. I’d like to thank each and every person who sponsored us – it made every blister worth it and it was a real pleasure to do my bit.”

The trek, which also involved months of training, has so far raised £6,800 for the charity whose headquarters are on Banbury's Blacklocks Hill.

Dogs for Good provides people living with disabilities specially trained assistance dogs, helping them to lead more independent lives.

Each fully trained dog costs the charity £20,000, and it relies on volunteers like Michael to fundraise.

Michael also volunteers his home as temporary boarding accommodation for one of the dogs on the 18-week programmes and has so far housed 10 dogs since he began volunteering with the charity.

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