Essex officers walking for Retired Police Dogs Fund

SEVENTEEN Essex Police officers have successfully raised nearly £6,000 for the force’s Retired Police Dogs Fund, designed to provide a comfortable life for canine colleagues who have retired after long service or through injury.

The officers, who are part of the Essex Police Dog Section, scaled the three highest Welsh peaks; Snowdon, Cader Idris, and Pen y Fan, in a mere 17 hours, covering a total ascent of 2,334 metres on their climb to the summits.

The money raised by the team will ensure service dogs get a well-deserved rest at the end of their careers.

One dog in particular that will benefit from the funds is PD Baloo.

Baloo suffered life-changing injuries when she and her handler, PC Ross Ashcroft were dispatched to a theft of a vehicle.

As a number of cars attempted to make a getaway from the scene, Baloo was struck and suffered a severely broken leg and pelvis.

As a result of the incident, Baloo, unfortunately, had to have one of her front legs amputated and was medically retired from the Essex Dog Section.

Baloo has since recovered well from her injuries and was re-homed, with new loving owners, to enjoy her retirement.

When Ross and the team returned to Essex from their mountain climbing expedition they were welcomed back by Baloo and her new owners.

Donations for the three peak challenge are still open and if you would like to sponsor the officers in their fundraising efforts, visit: www.gofundme.com/eds3p.