The challenge of a lifetime to help dogs in desperate need

A former National Bodybuilding Champion is climbing 15,000ft above sea level, to the summit of Mont Blanc, in aid of dog welfare charity Hope Rescue.

Ian Munro from Ebbw Vale was inspired to take on this challenge following the loss of his beloved dog, Curtis.

At the age of 51, Ian decided to improve his fitness by climbing mountains. He trekked to Everest Base Camp to fundraise for Breast Cancer Care in memory of his sister who passed away in 2009.

Fast forward to last year and Ian found himself without his best friend Curtis.

“He was a Jack Russell with a heart twice the size of mine, but we just made the best team ever”

Ian continues,

“There wasn’t a blade of grass untouched from the Highlands of Scotland to the beaches of Cornwall. He made me explore in rain or shine and, together we discovered so many great locations.

In 2020, Curtis was diagnosed with kidney disease and that was followed by very expensive treatment up until he passed in June 2023.

We were left heartbroken, and then I became lost with no direction and a lack of activity resulting in weight gain. After so many low days I knew I had to snap out of it and decided to look at doing something that tests me each year.”

Ian decided to look for a new challenge, taking on a self-funded trip which would involve the daunting task of climbing Mont Blanc.

Ian chose to support Hope Rescue in memory of Curtis, but also so that he could make a real impact on the work that takes place every day to support the most vulnerable dogs in their care.

Alan Drury, Community and Events Fundraising Manager at Hope Rescue said

“We are sincerely grateful to Ian for undertaking a challenge like this and our thoughts and best wishes will be with him every step of the way throughout his inspirational challenge and his own personal journey too”.

You can donate to Ian’s Mont Blanc challenge in support of Hope Rescue by visiting his online fundraising page https://www.justgiving.com/page/ian-munro-1706473631317