A group of greyhound lovers have completed a 40-mile walk in 32 hours to raise funds for a new dog paddock - joined at points by their furry friends. 

Six volunteers from Greyhound Lifeline in Southampton – a charity that looks after and rehomes greyhounds in the city – were accompanied by their four-legged companions at various stages along the route that saw them begin in Bentley at 7am on Saturday, August 31, and reach the finish line at the Parklife Café in Shirley shortly after 2pm on Sunday, September 1.

Overcoming aches, pains, and blisters, the group were aiming to raise £4,000 - £100 for every hour they walked – in order to set up a new dog paddock at their Southampton site on Coxford Road, having moved from Fleet in 2022.

Speaking to the Echo at the finish line, Greyhound Lifeline volunteer Kit Lendon, who completed the 32-hour challenge, said: “We don’t how much we’ve raised in total yet, but it’s been really positive – we have a GoFundMe page which is still open to donations – and we’ve had various pub collections on the walk as well, so we’re yet to go back and collect those but I think things are looking good.”

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Volunteers and greyhounds during a well earned rest at the finish line in Shirley (Image: Matt Davey)

A team of 30 people supported the volunteers along the route – helping to provide medical care, moral support, and transport for the 10 greyhounds that joined in – including Paddy, Leo, and Devon.

The main six walkers nursed their blisters in an ice bath outside Parklife Café, as Kit said: “It was tiring, we’ve had lots of pain in our feet and blisters, but we’ve been training hard over the spring and summer.

“We’ve been very lucky and had no major injuries and some great weather too, but there’s definitely a few blisters that need a lot of ice and a lot of rest.”

She added: “We’ve never done anything like this before, it’s very much a first.

“It’s our inaugural walk, I don’t think the walkers who have just walked 40 miles will commit to it right now, but I think in a years’ time it will definitely be back on the cards.”

Manager of Parklife Café, Paula Shapland, who often collaborates with Greyhound Lifeline for community events – which includes a meet and greet outside the café every Friday – said: “We’re just so proud of them and they should be so happy to know they’ve raised awareness of a wonderful charity.”