POOCHES of all breeds, shapes and sizes took part in a 12-hour charity walk in memory of Monty the greyhound, who died in January.

Dog walking business Calling All Canines, who’d been walking Monty for his disabled owner Richard Wheeler, 47, organised the walk, which took place on Saturday, with funds going to Greyhound Rescue West Of England.

Dozens of walkers with dogs took part in the challenge and set out from Wroughton Parish Church, following a route around Swindon, and finishing at The Red Lion, in Cricklade.

Tracey Wysocka, 43, from Calling All Canines, who regularly walked Monty, said: “The walk went really well, we had an excellent turnout and a real good mix of dogs. Today has all been about remembering Monty as he was a very special dog.

“His owner Richard joined us joined us at various points. I think the walk demonstrated how much everyone loved Monty.

“It has been a perfect day, conditions were great and we’ve had a few laughs along the way.”

Richard, of The Fox, in Purton, has platybasia, a spinal disease that affects his walking.

At the end of last year Monty was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer. Despite the best efforts of Richard and Tracey to treat the greyhound, he died by his owner’s side.

“The walk was something I was thinking about organising before Monty died,” said Tracey, of Langton Park, Wroughton.

“When Monty did eventually pass away I just got all the team together and said this is a really good opportunity for us to do something for Richard and greyhounds in memory of Monty.

Tracey initially set a target of the walk raising £1,000 but with online donations topping that figure, before the walk, she expects to the total will be nearer £2,500.

Tracey said: “I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has donated, the dogwalkers, Richard and Greyhound Rescue.”

The charity is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of greyhounds and lurchers. They rehome 500 dogs a year.

Anyone who’d like to sponsor the walk can visit justgiving.com/tracey-wysocka or call Tracey on 07921 252766.