Vet nurse Nicola Tooth, who works at Cave Veterinary Specialists at West Buckland, has been walking 100 kilometres with her dog this month to raise money for a national cancer charity.

Nicola and her chocolate Labrador, Nelson, are taking part in the dog walking challenge organised by Macmillan Cancer Support.

It’s all the more of a challenge for Nicola, who suffers from mild undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy of the spine, a form of arthritis which affects the vertebrae.

Nicola said: “I have a close relative who has survived breast cancer and I feel strongly about supporting the ongoing research to fight this terrible disease.

“The challenge is to walk 100km with your dog in November and that suits both me and Nelson. Because of my spinal disease I am unable to do any hardcore exercise so this is an ideal challenge for me, something that was little and often throughout November.

“Nelson’s only seven months old, so little and often exercise is perfect for him too, because he’s still developing.

“I love walking and as long as we can manage at least 3.3km a day, we will be right on target to complete it in the 30 days. I’m pretty confident as that’s the sort of daily distance I normally do with Nelson.”

Nicola is keen to raise as much money and awareness as possible and the animal hospital has pledged to match it, meaning she and Nelson are guaranteed a double-your-money result.

Hospital director Claire Lawrence said: “Everyone at Cave is super proud of Nicola and Nelson for undertaking this challenge for such a worthy cause.”

Anyone who would like to support and sponsor Nicola and Nelson should visit www.facebook.com/689153999/posts/10159400697479000/

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