Essex Air Ambulance holds `pawsome’ fundraising event

03 Mar Essex Air Ambulance holds `pawsome’ fundraising event

Essex & Herts Air Ambulance’s (EHAAT) annual Heli Hounds event on Sunday 1st March, saw nearly two hundred dogs and their owners from across Essex and Hertfordshire enjoying the Spring-like weather while raising funds for their local life-saving local charity.

The event began with a scenic three mile walk through the Marks Hall Estate, starting and finishing at the EHAAT Charity HQ on Earls Colne Business Park. Shortly before the start participants saw one of the charity’s helicopters take off from the nearby Airbase on another life-saving mission, a timely reminder of what the day was about.

Burnham and District Dog Training Club gave dog training demonstrations and ‘how to’ sessions, and the event featured on BBC Radio Essex Quest, a weekly exploration of the county.

Following the walk two of EHAAT’s critical care paramedics helped judge a fun dog show which included classes for; Best Rescue, Best Veteran, Little and Large, and Dog/Owner Lookalike.

EHAAT Events Manager Emily Donnachie said: “This was our first big fundraising event of the year, and it was amazing to see so many dogs and their owners in one place. The weather was absolutely perfect, even though it was quite muddy underfoot in places because of the recent rain.

“The walk was really enjoyable and the dog show was very popular. The event has raised over £2,300 so far. Once we have received everyone’s sponsorship money this figure could double, which would be amazing.”

Later this month EHAAT supporters can swap Chihuahuas for Cha Cha Chas at the charity’s annual glitzy fundraiser, Strictly Air Ambulance at Five Lakes Resort, Maldon. Six supporters, each paired with a local dancer teacher, will compete against each other. Pasha from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, this year’s celebrity judge, will also be performing a Showdance with partner Chloe Hewitt. Tickets are available at ehaat.org