The Story So Far

Scarlett Bear - Greyhound Gap's Official Fundraising Bear

Scarlett has been travelling the world since October 2007 to raise funds and awareness of Greyhound Gap in memory of Elaine Parkes.

Elaine sadly lost her battle against cancer at just 47 years old. Lainy had adopted both of her of her dogs from Greyhound Gap; the charity and the hounds themselves were extremely close to her heart. A very special young lady called Lucy (daughter of Elaines' best friend Heidi) wanted to do something to help raise funds in Lainy's memory so the idea of Gap's Travelling Fundraising Bear was born.

The day after we sadly lost Elaine a little 6 week old puppy crossed the path of the Greyhound Gap. Her medical needs were so great that her costs within 6 days mounted to a huge £2000. Her medical care is ongoing and will be for the rest of her life. The puppy was named Scarlett. In memory of Lainy, and also to help other special needs emergency dogs, the Elaine Parkes Memorial Fund was created so that other dogs like Scarlett can receive the necessary treatment without taking away from the other dogs needing the help that Greyhound Gap provide. It seemed fitting that Gap's Travelling Bear would also be named Scarlett.

Heidi and Lucy have been organising Scarlett's travel ever since but sadly Lucy has become poorly. Heidi has more than enough to cope with right now, so I have offered to take over Scarletts travel plans and act as her secretary. A massive thank you to Heidi and Lucy for doing everything they have done and for helping Greyhound Gap. Sending you both much love and get better soon thoughts to Lucy.

Scarlett Bear normally visits her host families for 1 or 2 weeks at a time in return for a small donation being made to Greyhound Gap which so far has usually been around £5 although for very special occasions this has sometimes been more, I have a recollection of Scarlett being caught in the middle of a bidding war!!

When Scarlett comes to stay it's nice to keep a record of her travels in this Blog (she's a very high-tech bear!) so that everyone can follow her adventures. Details of the blog will be passed on to her host family when she is on her way.

If you would like to have Scarlett come to stay with you and help raise funds for Gap, please email me (ali_ajp@yahoo.co.uk). Let me know how long you would like her to stay for and whether you have any preferred visit dates. Scarlett has quite a full diary until the end of the summer so please be aware that some flexibilty might be needed! I'll then confirm her travel arrangements with you and pass on payment details so that you can make your donation to Gap.

To make sure that Scarlett can continue her travels it is very important that she is sent on to her new destination in plenty of time. Therefore we ask that you do pass Scarlett on by the required date to avoid disappointing those waiting to entertain her. Please be aware you will need to cover her travel costs (postage!). All details, addresses, dates and blog details will be sent to you at the beginning of her visit. Scarlett Bear is staying with me before resuming her travels in March when she has a visit to Crufts to look forward to! She currently has her paws up in front of the TV and is munching on some toffee popcorn!

Thank you to all who have had Scarlett to stay and to all who have offered to have her visit over the coming months!

Enjoy your time with Scarlett!

Love Ali.xx
Scarlett Bears Secretary.