South Shields' Great North Dog Walk 30th anniversary event postponed

The 30th anniversary of the event, which was due to take place on Sunday, June 7 has now been put back until Sunday, September 27, 2020.

It is one of many public events to be cancelled or postponed until further notice as Covid-19 continues to spread across the country.

There are currently more than 3,200 confirmed cases in the UK and 144 people have died - 74 patients have recovered.

See an interactive map showing the spread of Covid-19 across the UK

Earlier this week Prime minister Boris Johnson advised against mass gatherings and urged people to “avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other such social venues” in an attempt to reduce the risk.

Organiser Tony Carlisle is “bitterly disappointed” to have to postpone the anniversary event but says it was a “matter of common sense”.

“The welfare of all concerned is of paramount importance,” said Tony, who had to cancel last year’s event after he became seriously ill with septicaemia.

“Lets focus on our immediate health and that of others and together as a community we can get through this and aim for better things to come.”

It’s the second time the virus has left the world’s largest dog walk in jeopardy after a major Chinese sponsor was forced to pull out when the country went into lockdown earlier this year.

However, he had since secured the backing of local gym owner Mark Jensen - and more recently the RNLI and the Dogs Trust - and it was all set to go ahead.

“I am bitterly disappointed as it takes a full year to plan the event, coupled with raising many thousands of pounds for local charities and helping dogs to be fostered and re-homed. I want to thank the three organisations who stepped up – we still need more companies and individuals to contribute and donate.”

He added: “I will continue to raise funds for charitable causes for as long as I can.

“Hopefully, if we all rally together as a community and follow the hygiene rules and support our elderly and vulnerable we will beat this virus.”

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