“I’m Brad, I’m 26 and live with my wife Becky and our two year old therapy dog, Rory.  I’ve recently joined Ashton Circle as a Two Hour Club member, contributing a couple of hours a month to host a dog walk at Three Sisters in Ashton.  We have lived in Ashton for nearly seven years and welcomed the addition of our wonderful Sproodle puppy in June 2020.  As for a lot of us, lockdowns and the pandemic was hard for me and my family and after spending sometime in hospital due to illness and poor mental health, Rory was a much welcome distraction.  It didn’t take us long to realise that Rory wasn’t just a pet, he had brought meaning back to my life and our families.  I was so grateful for all the help I had received with my illness and I knew I wanted to give something back to my community.  In October 2021 Rory and I were welcomed into the Therapy Dogs Nationwide Family and we haven’t looked back since!  We have been to local care homes, mental health sessions and dementia groups to name a few.  I was over the moon when Becky from Ashton Circle asked me and Rory to host a monthly wellbeing walk.

The monthly dog walk has opened up doors for so many of us that take part; I’ve got to know so many lovely people and everyone has something to offer. One of our members comes along with her camera and takes amazing photos of our dogs in their happy places. The atmosphere is great and friendships are really blossoming.  It’s really making a positive difference to my wellbeing”

We’re loving hearing from Brad and the difference the wellbeing walk is making.

What would you do for a couple of hours a month that supports your wellbeing and brings people together?