Wee Joan’s Dog Walk – the biggest ‘doggy dander’ in Northern Ireland - is back!

Having raised tens of thousands of pounds for various charities including his own Willie’s Orphan Fund, Portrush barman Willie Gregg is ‘pawsing’ pulling pints to stage the fourth annual dog walk – and he’s doing it in memory of his beloved mother Joan.

Wee Joan’s Dog Walk will take place in Portrush on Sunday, September 20, and will raise funds for three charities – Willie’s Orphan Fund, Children to Lapland and Children’s Kidney Fund NI.

The ‘doggie dander’ will start off from the Harbour in Portrush and make its way to the Blackrocks and back via the West Strand Promenade.

Willie’s late mother Joan was the inspiration for the walk, telling her son that, as well as supporting charities all over the world, he should organise something closer to home.

For a £10 entry fee (which includes entry into a prize ballot), owners and their pooches can enjoy a walk on the scenic north coast AND be judged for various prizes on the day including Best Dressed Leopard Print Dog and Owner – a very specific category inspired by ‘Wee Joan’ who loved her leopard print style.

"Mum would have put Bet Lynch to shame, if she could have had a leopard print toothbrush, she would have had it!” said Willie.

On the day, there will also be free ‘puppiccinos’ for the dogs, free hot dogs and ice cream, free face painting for children from 1–4pm, plus entertainment from the Causeway Shantymen.

Anyone who is not able to attend but would like to donate can do so via JustGiving