DOZENS of dogs and their owners took part in a sponsored walk to help pets with cancer.

Pet carer Mandy Taylor, who runs Crackerbury, in Blunsdon, organised the walk, which saw about 40 pooches and people walking from The White Hart Inn, in Ashton Keynes, for about an hour yesterday.

They were raising funds to help the cancer unit at the Cambridge Veterinary School Trust, which Mandy started collecting for four years ago after her late dog Tarka had treatment there.

“I have raised about £3,000 for the trust in four years. I thought ‘let’s put something back into the cancer unit for pets,’” she said.

“The walk was absolutely brilliant and everybody wants to do it again. Thank you to everybody who donated.”

A raffle and other activities were held at The White Hart after the walk.

Mandy was sent a letter from Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall after they found out about the fundraiser last month.

She was told to contact the royals by the duchess’ former husband, Andrew Parker-Bowles, who had been at the veterinary school with his Labrador.

Mandy has organised another walk, which is just for Labradors, on August 5.

Her business is named after another of her dogs, Cracker, who died of spleen cancer.

“It is hard work but it is so rewarding,” she said.

For more information about Mandy’s fundraising visit www.pet-carer-crackerbury.co.uk or phone 07930 121729.