October is shaping up to be a remarkable month for community spirit and charitable giving in the North West, as two major fundraising efforts are making headlines and changing lives. In Leigh, the national charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is rallying residents to lace up their walking shoes for The Great British Dog Walk, a campaign designed to raise funds for the training of hearing dogs. Meanwhile, just a short drive away in Atherton, Partou Footprints and Pre-school has celebrated the culmination of a summer-long fundraising effort that brought in more than £1,400 for Ronald McDonald House, a beloved children’s charity in Manchester.
Both initiatives, though different in their focus, shine a light on the power of local communities to support vital causes and offer a lifeline to those in need. Let’s take a closer look at how these two campaigns are making a difference and the people behind their success.
First up, Leigh’s residents are being called to action by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, a national charity known for its work in training dogs to assist deaf individuals. The organization has announced The Great British Dog Walk, set for October 2025, and is encouraging everyone—from seasoned hikers to casual strollers—to get involved. The aim? To raise much-needed funds for training hearing dogs who alert their owners to crucial sounds such as smoke alarms, doorbells, alarm clocks, and even a baby’s cry.
Charlotte Hall, managing director at Specsavers Audiology, emphasized the importance of the campaign, saying, "We would love to see as many people as possible in and around Leigh setting themselves a walking challenge to take on during October, to raise money to help train more hearing dogs." Specsavers, a long-time supporter of the charity, is not just sponsoring the event; its stores and staff in Leigh are rolling up their sleeves to participate in walking challenges and spread the word throughout the month.
The flexibility of the challenge is one of its biggest draws. Participants can choose their own route and distance, whether that’s a modest five miles or an ambitious hundred. It’s free to sign up, and everyone who registers receives a complimentary dog bandana—perfect for those bringing their four-legged friends along for the journey. Walkers who go the extra mile by raising funds are also eligible for additional rewards.
Gill Yeates, head of community fundraising at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, highlighted the direct impact of every step taken: "Every single person in Leigh who takes on a walking challenge for The Great British Dog Walk will be directly helping deaf people, whether you decide to challenge yourself to do five, ten, fifty, or even a hundred miles." The charity’s mission goes beyond practical assistance; these specially trained dogs also provide emotional support and companionship, helping to combat the isolation that often accompanies hearing loss.
Ms. Hall added, "During October, some of our stores and colleagues will be supporting The Great British Dog Walk by taking on walking challenges themselves, as well as highlighting the campaign to customers, so we are excited to see people walking, connecting, and giving in support of people living with hearing loss." More information and registration details are available on the charity’s website, making it easy for anyone to join the movement.
While Leigh gears up for its walking challenge, Atherton has just finished celebrating a fundraising triumph of its own. Partou Footprints and Pre-school announced on September 13, 2025, that it had raised over £1,400 for Ronald McDonald House, a North West children’s charity that provides free accommodation and support for families with children receiving treatment at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital and St Mary’s Neonatal Unit.
The fundraising effort was a true community affair, kicking off with a four-mile sponsored walk along Manchester canal and through a local nature park that alone brought in £400. But the team didn’t stop there. According to Katie Dean, senior deputy manager at Partou Footprints, "It was a brilliant day and was well attended by our families. We had local businesses selling their products, homemade cakes and refreshments on offer from our amazing catering team, and team members running a huge tombola which families connected to the nursery had kindly donated items to."
The summer fayre, held on the August Bank Holiday weekend, was packed with family-friendly attractions: bracelet-making stations, a book lucky dip, competitions like ‘guess how many sweets in the jar’ and ‘guess the name of the duck,’ a temporary tattoo stall, and even a human slot machine that proved to be a hit. Families also contributed to a used clothes station, bringing in second-hand clothes and making donations to swap for new-to-them fashion finds.
"From the sponsored walk, the football cards and the summer fayre, all the money was collated together and came to a grand total of £1,414," Ms. Dean confirmed. The fundraising activities weren’t just about raising money—they also fostered a sense of togetherness and fun, bringing the entire nursery community closer.
Kellie Partington, nursery manager at Partou Footprints, spoke about the significance of supporting Ronald McDonald House: "Ronald McDonald House offers private en-suite bedrooms for families, communal kitchens and dining areas, together with lounges and playroom facilities, allowing families to stay close to their child during their hospital stay. It relies on fundraising, and we have had some children and families using the House when their siblings have been in the hospital for life saving treatment. It is a privilege to play our part to help."
Samantha Rhodes, managing director at Partou, echoed the pride felt by the entire team: "What a fantastic achievement in support of a charity which holds such a special place in Manchester’s heart. I want to thank the Partou Footprints team and all who enabled them to raise such an impressive amount."
Ronald McDonald House, as described by the nursery team, is much more than a place to sleep. The charity provides families with private en-suite bedrooms, communal kitchens and dining spaces, lounges, and playrooms—essentials that allow families to focus on what matters most: being close to their child during a difficult time. The organization relies heavily on community fundraising to keep these services available to families in need.
As October approaches, the North West is set to see even more acts of generosity and solidarity. Whether it’s by taking part in The Great British Dog Walk in Leigh or supporting local nurseries like Partou Footprints in Atherton, residents are showing that small steps and community events can add up to life-changing support for those who need it most.
Both campaigns underscore a simple truth: when communities come together, their collective efforts can transform lives—one step, one event, and one act of kindness at a time.
