In June, before the lockdown was eased, seven year old George Jones was walking 150km to raise money for lost and stray animals. He'd been to the Manchester and Salford branch of the RSPCA to adopt a rabbit which he called Pickle, and was so shocked to learn there were homeless and mistreated animals in the world that he decided to raise funds for the charity.
Mum, Joanna says that, at first he wanted to adopt every animal in need..."Obviously we couldn't do that!" she says "So I suggested we raise money for the RSPCA instead and my husband Richard came up with the idea of walking 150km throughout the month of June.
"Adopting Pickle really opened up George's eyes" she recalls "When we explained to him that Pickle had come from the RSPCA after he was rescued as a stray, he just couldn't believe people mistreated animals or that there were animals without homes, and the idea that there could be other rabbits like Pickle who needed help, really struck him.
"He did really well getting out and I think it was really good for him especially during lockdown as it gave us all something to do as a family" she adds "When we'd finished, I did have a moment of relief but also sadness thinking 'What are we going to do now'. When George saw the justgiving page and all the comments underneath wishing him good luck, he thought he was famous!"
George's little sister, three year old Nancy, also walked half of the 150km and when George did his final walk at Salford Quays on 30th June, members of the RSPCA btanch and his family came out to give him a socially distanced cheer...
The £150 initial fundraising target for the RSPCA was smashed in one night and the amount now stands at £1,884 to add to the fundraising click here
RSPCA Greater Manchester and Salford branch rehomed 173 animals from April to June and continues to work tirelessly throughout the coronavirus crisis to care for animals and find them forever homes. To support the work of the branch click here
Main photo shows Pickle
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