Blind dog Basil and Camber owner walk Coast to Coast for charity

Basil, a 15-year-old fox terrier and Michael Carter, of Farm Lane, Camber, walked from the cliffs of St Bees on the Irish Sea to the fishing village of Robin Hoods Bay on the North Sea, in support of Dogs Trust.

Basil had both eyes removed after developing glaucoma and spent part of the journey being carried in a customised rucksack.

Michael said: “I was so moved by people’s generosity and support throughout the walk and astonished at how many people became emotionally attached to Basil. One super fan, Helen Jamieson, had followed Basil every day. She had recently lost her own beloved Westie, Ollie and was struggling to come to terms with his loss. Helen said she found great comfort in Basil’s unfolding story. Helen came up to Robin Hood’s Bay to welcome us back and it was a very special moment for both of us.

“We finished the walk in the 16 days I had planned. Though this is a little longer than is usual it gave Basil plenty of time to walk, sniff around or just sit and rest.

“I made sure I didn’t think of the walk as being about reaching the end but about the day we were in. It was important for me to experience the highs and lows and enjoy the moment.

“The last day though was about reaching the end however, and this made it one of the toughest days.

“Every mile felt like an eternity and my legs got more and more tired and Basil heavier and heavier. When we finally reached the top of the village, Katherine, my partner and her dad Hector met us to walk the final 100m. This is when Helen surprised me. She had arranged it with Katherine and this was when I began to feel a bit emotional. We dipped our toes and paws in the North Sea with a sense of relief, but also a little sadness that it was over.

“I feel it has been an enormous privilege to have been involved in this event.

“I have met, both in reality and via my blog, some amazing, warm-hearted, generous people who have enriched my life enormously.”

To donate and see the blog, visit www.basilsadventure.com.

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