In memory of our little baby Ava, me and Wayne will be hiking up mount Snowdon this Sunday 13th July. It is estimated to be an 8 mile hike taking 6-7 hours.

Ava gained her little angel wings on 10/12/2024 due to Lymphoma. She was a very healthy and happy 14 year old until this disease made a rapid decline in her health.

We all dred the 'C' word and always think it won't affect us but did you know it effects 1 in 4 dogs and 1 in 3 cats in their lifetime? I didn't. No matter what their age. I went through our experience blind with a clouded perception, call it naive but staying positive is the only option I had. Recieving that dreaded diagnosis eats you up and you have to think and act fast as every moment counts. Chemotherapy gave Ava a fighting chance, but there are always regrets, guilt, should of's, would of's and could of's. Her Lymphoma eventually stopped responding to the treatment. Ava's vets were always so caring but I think naturally they are hardened to the truth when it's the last thing we want to hear.

It's only since then and recently I've found there are many support groups and advise forums I wish I had known about sooner. You trust the process of the professionals but it is critical to also have an immense support group around you no matter what the outcome and a good source of information.

Since Ava gained her little angel wings, the last 6 months have been very rocky and only those who have experienced loosing their best friend and fur baby will understand the heart break. It sounds obvious but my life will never be the same. My life is no longer how I know it but I want to continue to share our love and contribute to something meaningful.

We are all guilty of sitting on our hands, burying our heads in the sand and leaving up to someone else to make a difference,.but can you imagine if every individual made a small act of kindness or contribution to a good cause. We can't end world suffering overnight (although I am one of those who wishes world peace) but we can keep making moves by making an impact.

Ava and our love of walking has inspired me to take on my first hike and raise money for charity in her honour, as I know she will be joining us on our challenge!

I have chosen to do this because walking is one of many things me and Ava enjoyed to do together and I still continue our routine and love of walking everyday. It helps me feel closer to her, she loved the outdoors and made everything an adventure.

Wales will always have my heart, there is just something beautiful about it like no other. It's the place I would take Ava on holidays, a place we could happily sit for hours, our favourite place.

Ava taught me there is always time to smell the flowers, take a deep breath and embrace nature.

So in doing so I would love you to sponsor me on this challenge and help me raise money for my chosen charity The Rumba Cancer Foundation.

''The Rumba Foundation is a new UK based chairty. Their mission is to transform veterinary oncology in partnership with AURA Veterinary – a world leading centre for excellence in animal oncology and soft tissue. This collaboration will deliver groundbreaking clinical research and treatment. In time, the aspiration of the Rumba Foundation is to prevent animals from developing cancer altogether. The Rumba Animal Cancer Foundation is believed to be the only dedicated animal cancer charity in the UK. All donations go directly to support the most advanced treatments to save or prolong the lives of animals. As there are no operational costs, 100% of monies raised are used to fund the purchase of equipment and methodologies of treating animals with cancer. The Rumba Animal Cancer Foundation does not support studies involving animals specifically bred or kept for the purpose of research''

We are truly grateful for all of Ava's donations past and present all donations will go directly to this charity.

Thank you x