Julie took the plunge to raise cash for dog charity
Lost Dogs Dumfries & Galloway can now afford to buy a costly third thermal drone thanks to a fundraising swim marathon from a grateful supporter.
Dumfries mum Julie Bowman, aged 46, plunged into the deep end to do 50 lengths of Dumfries Swimming Pool at the DG1 leisure complex every second day of the week for two months.
She was keen to help the local dogs charity set up by Lee Herron specifically to help people who have lost or found a dog, or other pet which needs reuniting with its owner.
Julie, who was cheered on poolside by her proud 14-year-old son, Connor, who is a pupil at St Joseph’s College, said she was grateful to everyone who donated .
She also paid tribute to the support she received from pool staff in raising a total of £885.
Julie first came across the charity after her beloved miniature dachshund, called Peanut, had a heartbreaking time after losing six expected puppies in the last week of pregnancy.
She was lifted by the support she received from the followers of LDDG when she shared her heartbreak while donating all the goods she had bought for the puppies to the organisation.
She said: “I had bought items for the puppies and then, obviously, did not need them.
“So, I was looking for a good cause to give them to and came across Lost Dogs Dumfries & Galloway, who were really grateful for them.
“I wasn’t expecting anything in return, but suddenly I found all these people on the Facebook page offering advice, support and sympathy, which was really amazing and appreciated.
“When I heard that they needed money for a drone, I knew I had to help.”
Thanking Julie for the funding, Lee said: “An amazing challenge and an incredible amount raised.
“We owe a very, very big thank you to Julie Bowman who has raised an amazing £885 for us,meaning we are now able to add the third thermal drone to our equipment here at LDDG.
“Once the fees were taken off the amount donated was almost £850.”
She added: “Julie is a huge supporter of us here at LDDG and we are ever so grateful.
“Not only did Julie complete this challenge she also has sourced us several amazing raffle prizes.
“The prizes include some alcohol, dog toys and treats, an incredible weight-loss package from Nichola Shaw, a back massage voucher for Jo Pollock at The Therapy Room, a £30 voucher for Serenity, a football signed by ALL Carlisle United players, organised by goalkeeper Gabe Breeze.
“Through its popular Facebook page, LDDG has enjoyed amazing success in reuniting pet and owner – and drones have come in very useful in tracking down missing canines in such a vast rual region.”
The charity also helps out pet lovers across the region and beyond through a variety of ventures year round and is always grateful for donations.