A young volunteer at a greyhound homing centre is spending his school holidays raising funds for dogs in search of their forever home, by walking 100 kilometres.
Freddy Vaughan hopes to raise £2,000 for Home Run Hounds in August by lacing up his trainers after he became the charity’s youngest volunteer earlier this year.
The seven-year-old will walk between two to three miles each day during the holidays, with all funds raised pledged towards Home Run Hounds and its work to help retired greyhounds find their forever home.
After raising £58 at a dog treat sale he organised in December, Freddy now hopes to take his fundraising efforts to the next level.
“Greyhounds make me feel happy,” said Freddy.
“I love being a volunteer with Home Run Hounds as there is so much to do at the kennels and it really interests me.
“I’m excited for this challenge and hope to raise lots of money for the dogs to help pay for their care when they retire from racing.”
Freddy’s connection to Home Run Hounds has led mum, Jen, to adopt two retired racers with Wizzy and Eddy joining the family.
Jen described her son’s connection to Home Run Hounds as life-changing and hopes people will dig deep in support of Freddy’s fundraiser.
“Greyhounds bring the best out of Freddy,” said Jen.
“They’re such a gentle breed and he instantly connected with them, which led to Wizzy and Eddy joining our family.
“It’s changed his life. Confidence and struggling socially has been a problem, but being around the greyhounds has turned Freddy into a different person.
“Eighteen months ago, he wouldn’t interact with a stranger at all. Now, he is a genuine volunteer with Home Run Hounds which makes me so proud and everyone’s support for his 100km challenge in August has been heart warming to see.”
Founded in 2022, Home Run Hounds operates six homing centres across the UK and finds the forever homes for up to 300 retired racing greyhounds each year.
The charity in operated entirely by a 250-strong network of volunteers who give up their time to help retired greyhounds find their forever home.
Claire Butler, co-founder of Home Run Hounds, added: “Freddy is an inspiration to everyone connected to Home Run Hounds.
“His enthusiasm and love for the breed is infectious and we are blown away by his 100km challenge in August.
“Our costs are constantly on the rise, with bills to cover food, treats, toys and veterinary care across our six centres reaching £20,000 each month. Every penny Freddy raises will make a difference, and we wish him the best of luck!”
To support Freddy’s 100km August Challenge in aid of Home Run Hounds, visit www.justgiving.com/page/freddy-vaughan?utm_medium=qrcode&utm_source=offline&utm_content=standardqr.
