Grovehill’s Janice gears up for 500,000 steps challenge

PUTTING your best foot forward is one thing but doing it 500,000 times takes real endeavour, determination and a great pair of shoes!
Janice Blakley has been volunteering for Grovehill Animal Trust near Omagh since 2003 and has set herself the challenge of walking 500,000 steps during the month of September, to raise much needed funds!
She will be accompanied by her two rescue dogs, Mr Ruffles and Lilli. Lilli was surrendered to Grovehill by her owners two years ago when they were no longer able to care for her. As an older dog, it doesn’t bear thinking about what could have happened to her if the shelter hadn’t stepped in.
"Over the past year, the cost-of-living crisis, which is affecting so many, has caused our bills to skyrocket. Essential supplies, medical care, food, and operational costs have exceeded amounts which we have never experienced before. These increased costs have put a significant strain on our resources, making it difficult for us to sustain the level of care that our animals deserve and need."
But, she adds, despite these challenges, their commitment to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals remains unwavering.
"As well as facing the demands of keeping our shelter running, this fundraiser comes at the time of the year when we find ourselves overwhelmed with new cat and kitten arrivals. Kitten season is the time of year when cats give birth, and we become inundated with unwanted and homeless mothers and their litters.
"We would again like to take the opportunity to remind people that all pets should be spayed or neutered. There ias simply no reason not to, because alongside the many health benefits, it’s the only way to reduce the number of unwanted kittens and puppies. Speak to your vet today!"
Grovehill is a small, locally run, shelter and has a very small team with limited resources.
"We are doing our best, but we really need help from our local community. If you can help us, and the animals who find themselves in our care, we would encourage you to donate to Janice’s Challenge. Grovehill would like to sincerely thank Janice, and the local community for their continued support and for enabling us to continue our work. Together we are giving homeless animals a future," a spokesperson said.
How can you help? Online: go to justgiving.com/campaign/janicechallenge2024; In Person: call in to their charity shop on 1 Foundry Lane Omagh BT781ED to donate; By post: send a cheque, made payable to Grovehill Animal Trust, to 33 Aghnaglea Road Sixmilecross BT79 9NP.