Hundreds of paws expected in Portrush as Wee Joan’s Charity Dog Walk returns this Sunday
A previous Wee Joan’s Charity Dog Walk makes its way along Portrush’s West Strand. The popular event returns this Sunday, raising funds for Willie’s Orphan Fund, Children to Lapland and Children’s Kidney Fund NI.
A previous Wee Joan’s Charity Dog Walk makes its way along Portrush’s West Strand. The popular event returns this Sunday, raising funds for Willie’s Orphan Fund, Children to Lapland and Children’s Kidney
Hundreds of paws are expected to hit the sand in Portrush this Sunday as the popular Wee Joan’s Charity Dog Walk & Show returns for an afternoon of four-legged fun and fundraising.
The event takes place on Sunday 20 September, with dog lovers from across the Causeway Coast and beyond invited to join the walk while supporting three charities helping children and families.
Registration opens at Portrush Yacht Club from 1pm before the walk sets off at 2pm, travelling along West Strand to Black Rocks and back. Entry is by a minimum donation of £10 per dog, which also includes entry into the prize raffle.
Remembering ‘Wee Joan’
Dog lover and fundraiser Willie Gregg with some four-legged friends ahead of Wee Joan’s Charity Dog Walk & Show, which returns to Portrush this Sunday, 20 September.
The event is held in memory of Joan Gregg — affectionately known as “Wee Joan” — the late mother of well-known Portrush fundraiser Willie Gregg.
A great dog lover herself, Joan remains at the heart of an event which has grown into a community get-together while raising money for good causes.
One of the Mini Dog Show categories even pays a particularly colourful tribute to her: Best Leopard Print Dressed Dog & Owner, inspired by Wee Joan’s love of leopard print.
Other categories include Best Rescue Dog, Handsomest Male, Prettiest Tail and Waggiest Tail.
Entertainment, treats and plenty of prizes
There will be much more happening than the walk and dog show, with entertainment from The Shantymen alongside free hot dogs, ice cream, puppiccinos and face painting.
There will also be a raffle with a range of prizes up for grabs.
Money raised from the event will support Willie’s Orphan Fund, Children to Lapland and Children’s Kidney Fund NI.
Willie Gregg gets a cuddle from a four-legged friend. Willie is encouraging dog owners from across the Causeway Coast and beyond to support Wee Joan’s Charity Dog Walk & Show in Portrush this Sunday.
Encouraging people to come along, Willie Gregg said:
“The support we’ve had for Wee Joan’s over the years has been incredible and I can’t thank people enough. I’d love to see a huge crowd in Portrush again this Sunday. If you have a dog, bring them along and join us, and if you can’t be there, even a small donation will help. It all adds up.”
How to take part
Registration takes place at Portrush Yacht Club from 1pm on Sunday 20 September, with the walk beginning at 2pm. The route will take participants from West Strand to Black Rocks before returning.
The minimum entry donation is £10 per dog and all dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
Those unable to attend can still support the fundraising through the Wee Joan’s Charity Dog Walk JustGiving page:
Or via PayPal:
With the walk, Mini Dog Show, entertainment and treats all packed into the afternoon, organisers are hoping for another big turnout in Portrush — and plenty of wagging tails — in memory of Wee Joan.
