Sam's pedal power in aid of his beloved Dogs Trust

Date published: 10 August 2018


Award-winning actor Sam Newman cycled into Dogs Trust Manchester this week to meet some of the canine residents he’s raising money for on a 1,000 mile bike ride.

Sam, who has had leading roles in Holby City, Casualty and Doctors and starred in the West End, is aiming to raise £5,000 for Dogs Trust by cycling from Lands End to John O’Groats.

Sam said: “I've always had it on my mind that one day I would ride the famous Land's End to John O'Groats, and after losing my beloved dog Mosca I decided I wanted to do something to help create a better life for dogs.

"I’m proud that by challenging myself to cycle this route, I can help Dogs Trust and the dogs who are waiting for their forever families.

“I am stopping off at as many Dogs Trust rehoming centres as possible along the way.

"It’s something quite special to see how well looked after the dogs are.

"But the one great thing in life a dog really longs for is to be at the heart of their own family, so I hope they all meet their special someone very soon.”

Sam started the ride on August 1 and hopes to reach John O’Groats on August 16 averaging at least five hours of cycling every day and climbing thousands of feet as he makes his way through the Lake District and the Scottish Highlands.

He cycled from Shrewsbury to Dogs Trust Manchester totalling more than 80 miles in a matter of hours, and while at the rehoming centre met West Highland Terrier, Jack, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Zina, who had both been looked after by Dogs Trust Manchester foster carers and were about to head off to their forever homes.

Tracey Hill, Co-ordinator of the Home from Home fostering scheme, said: “It was lovely to meet Sam and it was great to be able to introduce him to Jack and Zina along with their excited new families. What he’s doing is incredible and we’re really pleased he was able to come and visit us.

“On average it costs £40 a day to look after each dog in our care so every penny raised by Sam’s incredible efforts will really make a difference.”

To find out more about Sam’s cycling challenge and to support him visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/samnewman-dogstrust

If you would like to find out more about the dogs at Dogs Trust Manchester waiting to find their special someone, you can go along to the rehoming centre at Parkway, Denton, Manchester, M34 3SG or go to: www.dogstrust.org.uk


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