Staff from Leeds Building Society and their canine companions are taking part in a dog walking challenge to raise money for the Society’s charity partner Dementia UK, the dementia specialist nurse charity.

Together with their dogs they are attempting to walk 110km during March to raise money for Dementia UK’s Dog Walking Challenge.

Those taking part in the sponsored event include Imogen Graham, Leeds Building Society’s responsible business specialist and Chai, her two-year-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi; Nikki Ayrton, charity partner and community manager at the Society and her three-year-old Pug, Bernie (pictured) and strategy manager, Nicola Glover and Fitz, her six-year-old Labrador cross.

“It’s fantastic to see so many of our colleagues and their pets take part in this challenge to raise money for our charity partner Dementia UK. They really are going the extra kilometre to help such a worthwhile cause,” says Nick Young, chief strategy and insights officer at Leeds Building Society.

Each dog and walker is being sponsored to walk 110km – just over two miles a day – throughout March.

Leeds Building Society and Dementia UK announced a four-year partnership in 2020, to raise £500,000 to help over 2,500 families with dementia across the UK.

The charity’s Admiral Nurses work in hospitals, GP practices and local community and national services to provide clinical, emotional and practical support which enables people to live more positively with dementia.

Dr Hilda Hayo, CEO and Chief Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK, added: “Millions of us will know someone living with dementia and many will be directly affected by it. Our Admiral Nurses are a lifeline for families impacted by dementia. With this support from Leeds Building Society and their four-legged friends, we can continue to provide vital life-changing care for the families who need it the most.”

The sponsored dog walk will help the Closer to Home project which is bringing support for families affected by dementia closer to their communities.

Families living with dementia can access life-changing support from a dementia specialist Admiral Nurse, at a dedicated time and place that suits their needs.