Pedalling for pounds to raise cash for SHAK

At the start line: Susan, Josh, Luke, Denise and back-up driver Craig.

A dog-loving family tackled a charity bike ride, raising just over £1,000 for SHAK.

Ashington brothers Luke Walton, 13, and Josh Stubbs, nine, along with their grandma, Susan Walton, and her best friend Denise Scott, peddled for pounds for the cause.

The hardy gang took on the 20-mile ride earlier this year and were delighted to be able to present a cheque of £1,050, to SHAK’s Joan Brittlebank.

The ride started at Chevington Moor, followed the coastal route to Druridge Bay and ended at the Widdrington Inn, where Debbie Walton – the boy’s mam – held a tombola.

The fund-raisers received a lovely welcome as they crossed the finish line, being met by family and friends, including Joan and Rover from SHAK. Rover was placed with SHAK a couple of years ago and Joan kindly gave him a home.

Susan would like to thank Ashington High School; Northumberland Pupil Referral Unit, Hepscott; Curves Ashington, Cramlington and Cullercoats; Grange Garage Widdrington; The Widdrington Inn; B&M, Ashington; and everyone else for their support and kind donations.

SHAK looks after about 70 dogs. Working only with destruction cases from vets, strays and dogs from its trusted charity partners, SHAK does not take in dogs from members of the public. Likewise, it is not a re-homing centre, although it does have a Forever Foster project.

For more information, visit www.shak.org.uk