Veteran set to crawl up Ben Nevis for charity

GINA Allsop, mental health campaigner and fundraiser for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, is set to crawl up the highest mountain in the United Kingdom to raise funds for the charity.

On the 16 December 2023, Gina, and a group of other veterans, will be scaling the mountain on all fours to highlight the challenge many people face with mental health issues.

Gina, who served in the British Army in Bosnia and Kosovo, was helped by SSAFA after suffering with her own mental health battle.

Gina said:- "I was diagnosed with PTSD and then my brother got diagnosed with cancer. We were told he had weeks to live just as COVID hit. All his treatment stopped... I'd go and see him for an hour and then I'd go for a cycle to help me cope. 1 such day I was knocked off my bike in a hit and run. Thankfully I was only badly bruised, but the bike wasn't, it was completely trashed. Then the next day my amazing brother died. That was when Graham, a caseworker for SSAFA, called me to offer help."

Not only did Graham help Gina get through this dark time, but he also helped raise the money Gina needed to replace her bike. Since then, Gina used her new bike to raise thousands for the charity. She has also campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of mental health issues and loneliness.

Gina said:- "During the Christmas period particularly, times can be tough and difficult. Loneliness also increases during the festive period and I would like my crawl up Ben Nevis to make people stop and think. Maybe reach out to a neighbour or check in on a friend you haven't heard from for a while. Loneliness kills, and a small act of kindness can make a massive difference in someone's life. So, if you can't donate, then just reach out and talk."

To make a donation and to find out more please go to her Just Giving Page.

WHEN Collie Cross Hiro was handed over to the team at Dogs Trust Merseyside in the dark days of January this year, the rehoming centre staff instantly recognised him.

The playful pup had been rehomed by Dogs Trust Merseyside as a 14 week old fluffy bundle of energy. Ever since then he has been loving life at the heart of a family, but sadly after his owner passed away, he found himself back in the care of the charity at the start of this year.

To everyone's surprise, he is still waiting to find a family and home of his own, and so Dogs Trust Merseyside have thrown a birthday party for him as he turns 8, sharing 1 heartfelt wish; that the new year will bring a new start for Hiro and he won't be marking a year without a forever home.

Georgina Lowery, Manager at Dogs Trust Merseyside, says:- "Hiro is absolutely gorgeous and long-standing members of staff recognised him instantly. He was a much loved dog and it is so sad that he is back with us, but we really thought he'd find a new home quickly. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case so on his birthday we made him feel even more special than usual by throwing him a party."

On the big day, Hiro enjoyed special foodie treats and opened presents including:- balls and squeaky toys, but he is still waiting for the best present he could receive; a new home to call his own. Hiro is looking for a home where he will be the only pet, but he could live with older teenagers. He loves to be on the go playing fetch or a game of tug and although he likes to get to know people gradually, once he knows you, he loves to be made a fuss of and will be a loyal friend for life. He has Addisons Disease which requires medication, but the condition doesn't affect him day to day, and he is a happy, lively boy.

Georgina adds:- "Hiro has seen hundreds of dogs head home with new families this year and we would love him to soon be the 1 we are waving a fond farewell to. He really is a lovely boy to spend time with and after 7 years in a loving home he is more than used to family life so we are confident that he'll settle in quickly and it won't be long before his new family can't remember life without him. If 2024 could begin with us seeing Hiro starting the next chapter of his life with a family who will love him as much as his previous family did, it would mean all our birthday, and Christmas, wishes for him have come true."