COOKIE the dog helped raise hundreds of pounds by walking 100km alongside her beloved owner.

The Australian Labradoodle and Wioletta Guzy, from Hereford, took part in Dementia UK's Walking Challenge which involved them averaging two walks a day, including a 10k trek on one occasion. 

In total, the pair raised £670 for the charity, which is close to Ms Guzy's heart.

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“My mum died of cancer so I did initially think about raising money for a cancer charity but there are so many of these and dementia deserves to get just as much attention," said Ms Guzy, who is a housekeeper at Brockington House care home in Hafod Road, Hereford.

“Plus, having worked at Brockington House for the last 12 months, I have seen how important homes like this are for people living with dementia, so in the end it was an easy decision to make.”

Ms Guzy said Cookie and her have been inseparable since she came to live with the family – she is married with two sons – in Hereford as a puppy almost three years ago.

“She’s always at my side and doesn’t like it when my husband takes her out for walk and I am not there,” she said.

“She is just like a daughter to me.”

Ms Guzy set herself an initial target of £150 but was able to smash it thanks to the generosity of her friends, family, and colleagues at Brockington House.

“I had some incredible donations from staff at Brockington House and to raise so much is really overwhelming,” she said.

“I was told by the management to ensure I made time for things like this when I started at the home, and this is one of the many reasons why I love the place.

“I am surrounded by lovely people and only wished I had come here to work sooner!”

Shann Thomas, Home Director at Brockington House, said: “Wioletta has quickly become a popular member of the team since she started working at the home and we are all very proud of what she, and Cookie, have achieved.”