A three-legged Bedford rescue dog has walked 100km around the Borough to raise money for a cancer charity.
Sunny Sandwich (Sunny for short) and owners Kat McGregor and Henry McGinty, from the Queens Park area of Bedford, tackled the 100km ‘Lost in Lapland’ challenge in aid of Myeloma UK, a blood cancer charity dedicated to funding vital research into treatment and, ultimately, a cure.
The trio set off on their virtual race through Lapland on 1 December and completed the challenge on New Year’s Eve, with Sunny being rewarded with his favourite treat, an ostrich bone.
Kat, 29, said she was very proud of Sunny and they even had other dogs join them too.
“Sunny made it, she said, “he smashed his 100km target. Thank you so much to everyone who has donated already and to everyone who joined us on our walks, especially our four-legged friends Freya and Paddy, who spurred Sunny along.”
They’ve raised £401 for Myeloma UK so far but more donations are still expected to be made.
“If you are still waiting to donate you can start 2023 by putting some good out into the world and popping some pennies toward Sunny’s phenomenal efforts. Any donations will be so greatly appreciated,” added Kat.
Car accident
Sunny was rescued by Kat and Henry three months ago from a Bulgarian shelter. He had lost one of his legs after being hit by a car when he was around five months old.
He was found injured and starving by a nine-year-old and her mother. The little girl named him ‘Slŭnchev Sandvich’, Bulgarian for Sunny Sandwich because “his face was golden like the sun and she fed him sandwiches all the way to the shelter”.
His truly ‘sunny’ disposition, despite a very tough start, and unusual but appropriate name helped Kat and Henry fall in love with him immediately.
“All my pets growing up have been named after food so when we saw him it felt like it was meant to be,” said Kat. “He’s such a sweet dog. When he smiles, it makes my heart burst.”
Not only did the challenge help to raise funds towards vital research but it was a fun way to squeeze in much-needed physiotherapy and strengthen Sunny’s legs.
“We’ve seen such a phenomenal improvement to his health and fitness,” she added. “When we first got him, he would walk 15 minutes twice a day, now he’s so excited to go for a walk and he does zoomies.”
Myeloma UK
Myeloma UK is a charity close to Kat’s heart as she works as their scientific knowledge and communications officer. This has her providing patients with crucial information about treatments, clinical trials and new research.
More recently, she’s been patients’ first port of call for COVID-19-related matters, including vaccinations and boosters and how to stay safe during the pandemic.
“I’ve spent my career working for charities but this is the first time I’ve felt inspired to do something more personal,” explained Kat.
“It seemed like the right time too, for many reasons. Myeloma UK is marking its 25th anniversary this year and, with the cost-of-living crisis, I wanted to do even more to help the charity support patients.
“Since starting at Myeloma UK, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible work they do and the amazing community of supporters I’m proud to be part of.
“From bringing patients and loved ones together to talk about their experiences to investing in pioneering research to transform the treatment of myeloma, their work is vital.”
Myeloma affects bone marrow and is a relapsing-remitting cancer. This means that although many patients will experience periods of remission following treatment, the disease will inevitably return.
It currently affects over 24,000 people in the UK.
Despite being the third most common type of blood cancer, it is especially difficult to detect as symptoms.
Back pain, easily broken bones, fatigue and recurring infection, are often linked to general ageing or minor conditions.
While it is incurable, myeloma is treatable in the majority of cases. Treatment is aimed at controlling the disease, relieving the complications and symptoms it causes, and extending and improving patients’ quality of life.
Chronic illness
More than half of patients face a wait of over five months to receive the right diagnosis, with a third diagnosed through an emergency route. By that point, many of them are experiencing severe or life-threatening symptoms.
“I personally see myeloma not only as an incurable cancer but as a chronic illness,” Kat added.
“It will keep coming back, which means people have to relive it over and over, tell their families and work each time. That feels brutally unfair.
“I feel really passionate about supporting patients and raising awareness of myeloma. We’re heading in the right direction for patients, but there is a lot left to do to help improve their quality of life.”
Kat and Henry say they are “stunned” by the amount of support Sunny has received over the past month. Sunny smashed his £100 target within days of starting the challenge and has now raised just over £400 for his efforts.
“We didn’t think we would get £100, and we’ve been so surprised and amazed by people’s generosity. It’s been really heart-warming.”
If you would like to support Sunny, Kat and Henry, you can make a donation at their Myeloma UK fundraising page.
For more information about myeloma or to get in touch with Myeloma UK go to myeloma.org.uk or call their infoline on 0800 980 3332.
