Walking the 4Daagse (160km) for the Canil de Portimão

This year, I’m taking on the 4Daagse in July in the Netherlands - walking 160 kilometers over four days (40km per day) - to raise money and awareness for something deeply important: the animals at the Canil de Portimão.

The Canil is home to around 90 dogs at any given time, along with many cats. While the incredible team and volunteers do an amazing job helping them find forever homes, more animals arrive all the time. These are the forgotten ones—abandoned, neglected, but still full of love and hope.

Your support can make a real difference.

Every euro will go directly to caring for these animals. Here’s what your donation can help with:

• €15 covers anti-flea and tick prevention for one month for one dog / cat

• €20 buys 2 leads, helping our volunteers walk more dogs safely and comfortably

• €25 covers a yearly vaccine for one dog for all common dog diseases

• €30 provides strong toys for vital mental stimulation and enrichment

• €100 pays for the sterilisation of a dog or cat, helping control the population

From medication to food, safe enclosures to toys—every bit helps give these animals the love and care they deserve.

Adopt, don’t shop - this challenge is also about raising vital awareness - If you’re thinking about bringing an animal into your life, please visit your local shelter—or tell someone who is. These animals are waiting for their second chance. If you can’t adopt, there are other ways to help: donate, share this fundraiser, or come to a walking morning and meet the dogs who benefit directly from your support.

For me, this walk is also personal - I’ve taken on physical challenges before & I like to prove to myself that I can. There was a time when even walking short distances felt impossible for me, due to health problems. So walking the 4Daagse now feels like a huge celebration of how far I’ve come, and proof I can put my mind to something and enjoy the journey. It’s going to be tough, but doing it for a cause so close to my heart gives me a lot of inspiration! Wish me luck!

To everyone who supports—whether through donations, shares, well wishes or simply showing up—thank you. Together, we can really change the lives of animals.

To see the work we are doing firsthand, follow us on social media Instagram & Facebook.

Holly x