A CHARITY dog walk around Swindon will be made an annual event after it smashed its fundraising target three-times over and boosted care at a greyhound charity.

Remembering Monty, a 12-hour walk on April 18 which was dedicated to a dog which changed the life of its disabled owner, was organised by Tracey Wysocka, director of training and walking business, Calling All Canines.

Greyhound Monty died on January 15 after battling with osteosarcoma, but Tracey and his owner Richard Wheeler wanted to organise the walk as a memorial to him.

Dozens of walkers with dogs took part in the challenge, setting out from Wroughton Parish Church, following a route around Swindon, and finishing at The Red Lion, Cricklade.

The £1,000 fundraising target for Greyhound Rescue West of England was smashed and after £3,395 was handed over, Tracey has decided to make it an annual event.

She said: “For so many people to be so affected by one dog, I find absolutely overwhelming.

“A lot of people didn’t know Monty, but they were touched by the story.”

The charity has already started using the cash for its general care costs for the greyhounds, with food, heating, dog coats and vets.

Tracey said the charity told her donations of such a size were very rare.