National charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People’s much-loved Great British Dog Walk is back for a fourth year and it’s coming to Herefordshire on Sunday, March 18th, 2018.

The series of dog walks is firmly established as a UK favourite among Britain’s dog-loving nation. Over 150 dogs of all shapes and sizes and around 350 adults, children and families are expected to take part in this year’s event at Eastnor Castle.

On the day there are two options of walks – either 11km (which can be shortened to 7km) or 4km routes, making it an ideal event for dog-lovers, families, walkers and organised walking groups.

The Great British Dog Walk at Eastnor Castle will help to ensure more hearing dogs can be trained to bring life-changing benefits to deaf people, like Merleen who began to lose her hearing at the age of 20 and was recognised as deaf at 30.

“I was a confident, independent had a very successful career in personnel and education but as my hearing deteriorated, so did my confidence. As my ‘invisible disability’ worsened, I became more and more dependent on my husband, Paul. He became my ears, but my loss of independence was devastating.

“In September 2013, Hearing Dog Grace – a two-year-old working cocker spaniel - came into our lives. We bonded almost instantly. She is my ears, my loyal companion and a life changer. Grace is trained to alert me to a range of sounds which otherwise I would not hear – ‘safe sounds’ eg the cooker alarm, the doorbell, telephones and texts, morning alarm; and ‘danger sounds’ such as the smoke or fire alarm.

“Grace has made my invisible disability visible to the entire world to see. She is my Amazing Grace!”

To sign-up to the Eastnor Castle Great British Dog Walk, or for more information please visit greatbritishdogwalk.org

Tickets to each event are £10 in advance or £12 on the day. Children under 16 are free.