Seven Northamptonshire police officers set to climb Mount Snowdon in support of retired police dogs

Seven officers from Northamptonshire Police's Dog Section are set to climb Mount Snowdon in support of a charity that supports serving and retired police dogs across the UK.

The officers lacing up their hiking boots to tackle the 1,085m high peak include Lucy Sculthorpe, Marta Murray, Sean Foster, Ash Price Dan Bradley-Brophy, Sam Clark and Kyle McGregor. They will also be joined by two of their furry colleagues, two-year-old PD Socks and eight-year-old PD Nala.

On taking part in the challenge, PC Marta Murray said: “Our amazing police dogs are our crew mates and best friends. They protect both us and members of the public, locate stolen property, track offenders, as well as find missing, vulnerable people. They are hugely valued members of our specialist teams and their work and commitment is highly appreciated.

“When our dogs retire, their handlers have the option to keep them post-service, or allow them to retire with other suitable people in their forever homes. Unfortunately, after retirement, there is no support for the medical treatment of the dogs, and it is often not possible to insure them.

“As a result, the work of the Thin Blue Paw Foundation is invaluable in helping to ensure the dogs who have given so much of their lives to serving police forces across the country have a comfortable life when they eventually put their paws up and retire.”

PD Nala is Northamptonshire Police's eldest and most experienced dog in service and is set to retire later this year. She will be joining retired police dogs, Harper and Redd, in being supported by the Thin Blue Paw Foundation.

The charity provides much needed financial report to the unsung canine heroes, whose vet bills are no longer able to be covered by insurance due to their retirement.

The team will complete their climb later this year once coronavirus restrictions are lifted so that it can safely take place.

Visit the team's JustGiving page to help them to reach their £2,500 fundraising target and visit the Thin Blue Paw Foundation website to find out more about their work.