Check out our FAQs below or email Holly & Sophie at [email protected].
FAQs
I've just signed up, what are the next steps?
Firstly, join the Facebook Group we set up for this challenge.
Click 'Join Group' and once you're in, you can get your t-shirt and dog bandana, be inspired and find out anything you want to know about the challenge!
When does the challenge start?
1st November!
How do I keep track of my progress?
That's up to you! You can use the manual tracker you'll be receiving alongside your t-shirt and dog bandana, just write down how many miles you do each day. Alternatively, you can use a fitness watch, GPS device or fitness app on your phone. Strava is a popular, free, tracking app amongst walkers and runners. However, please be careful around sharing locations, maps and other sensitive information in your posts and on your fundraising pages. Unfortunately, there are people who will use maps and location information to target people, and their dogs.
If you’re using Strava or other apps to track your walk, there are often settings to make sure that it starts tracking the walk a distance from your home. We recommend that you do NOT track this data if you have a regular route that someone could use to predict your location.
Can I set my challenge at a shorter distance if I think my dog won't be able to manage the 100km?
Absolutely! Your dog’s health and wellbeing is the biggest priority. If you believe your dog (and it’s human!) can only manage a shorter distance, feel free to set your challenge to a lower target distance. It’s the taking part that counts!
I have a puppy, can I still take part?
As puppies are so young and will be able to handle less exercise, we recommend that you get advice from your local vet and/or animal welfare charity about whether your puppy will be able to manage the challenge. The Blue Cross website also so has some good advice about exercising puppies!
I have an older dog, can I still take part?
It is important to be mindful that older dogs will be less able to walk longer distances. However, you know your dog best. If you think your dog is unable to complete the full 100km throughout the month, please feel free to set your challenge to a shorter distance. We recommend that you get advice from you local vet and/or animal welfare charity about whether your older dog will be able to manage the challenge. The RSPCA website has some great advice about walking your elderly dog!
Can all breeds take part?
Yes, of course!
What if I have welfare concerns about someone else's dog on the Facebook group?
Please do not comment or message them directly. Instead, please report the post through Facebook to the admins and we will address the issue constructively. If someone has reported content that suggests your dog is at risk, we may reach out to discuss this with you and signpost you to relevant animal welfare charities.
What shall I do if I have welfare concerns about my own dog?
Please consult your vet if you have any concerns about your dog's health and wellbeing.
Shall I still complete the challenge in bad weather?
As the challenge takes place during Autumn, and there might be wintery weather, you need to make sure that you’re prepared for all the hazards that come with it. As we are not an animal welfare charity, we recommend you look at the Blue Cross website for advice for looking after your dog in the colder months.
Although unlikely, the weather may be unseasonably hot. If so, we recommend you walk your dog at sensible times of the day and look out for signs of heatstroke. It is important to also keep your dog hydrated. You can read more information about keeping your dog safe in hot weather on the Blue Cross Website.
How do I raise money?
We ask you to set up a Facebook Fundraising page. You can set one up in a few seconds here - https://givepanel.me/fb/klpoKeAK. Don't forget to post updates onto your fundraising page, so your friends can follow your progress. These pages are linked to the Bone Cancer Research Trust, so we'll be able to see how you're getting on too.
Why has my Facebook fundraiser ended early?
If your fundraiser has ended early, this is because the end date was not set to 7th December. Unfortunately you cannot re-open a fundraiser once it has closed so you will need to create a new fundraiser by following this link: https://givepanel.me/fb/klpoKeAK By doing this your page will automatically be set to end on 7th December.
Don't worry, we will have an accurate record of both your fundraising pages and will add the totals together at the end of the challenge.
How do I get my free t-shirt and dog bandana?
Once you have signed up to the challenge, we'll post a link on your fundraising page for you to register for your free t-shirt, dog bandana and tracker. You may not get a notification from Facebook about this, so please check your page by scrolling down the full page before contacting us about your link.
I have more than one dog, can I have more bandanas?
Unfortunately, we can only provide one bandana per fundraiser.
Are the bandanas safe for my dog?
When fitting your dog’s bandana please ensure that the bandana is safely and comfortably fitted so that it does not restrict the dog’s breathing or movement. Ideally, once secured the bandana should be snug but with enough room to fit two fingers between your dog’s neck and the bandana. For your dog’s safety we recommend that you do not leave your dog unattended or allow it off lead outside whilst wearing a bandana. Please ensure your dog is supervised at all times whilst wearing a dog bandana. If the bandana becomes damaged, please discontinue use. Keep bandanas away from naked flames. Bone Cancer Research Trust accept no liability for any loss or injury caused to your dog by the use of any of our products.
How do I get my medal?
Everyone who raises £120 or more will automatically receive a medal and certificate in the post once the challenge has ended. Only one human medal and one doggy medal will be issued per fundraiser.
Can teams take part?
Absolutely! If you would like to take part as a team, please email us at [email protected] so we can register you as a team.
How do I get people to sponsor me?
The beauty of a Facebook Fundraiser is it's super easy to share with your Facebook friends. Share it on your timeline and invite people to your Fundraiser using the 'Invite' button.
Remember to let them know how important your challenge is to you and how vital the funds raised are for the Bone Cancer Research Trust.
How can I get friends and family involved?
Your Friends and family will want to know how you, and your dog, are getting on so keep them in the loop by posting updates and photos on your fundraiser.
You could even ask your supporters to set you a challenge when they donate - complete your next walk in fancy dress, set a theme for a photography challenge whilst on your next outing or get the kids involved and set a nature quiz for them to complete whilst joining you on your challenge.
I don't have Facebook, can I raise money offline with a sponsorship form?
Yes, click here to download a sponsorship form.
I don't have Facebook, can I still raise money online?
Yes, you can set up a JustGiving page by clicking here.