AN animal lover has walked one million steps to raise funds for vulnerable dogs.

Kate Collier, who lives in Pickering, walked three times a week from July to November to complete the challenge in aid of four special needs animal charities - Jak's Lecacy, The Hope Chest, Penny Jones Animal Hospice and Cyprus Dogs-

Last year, Kate set up Jak’s Legacy, in memory of her own rescue dog who was abandoned, blind in one eye and deaf at the age of 16.

The charity is responsible for all vets' fees and medication for SYD (Saving Yorkshire Dogs), which cares for special needs and elderly dogs who cannot be rehomed because of the cost.

Kate said: “Thanks to Jak’s Legacy they all have a loving home with foster carers who know they will not have to find money to cover the cost.

“Last month our vets' fees were in excess of £1,200 so this does mean we have to work hard at fundraising.”

Kate completed the marathon walk with her friend's 11-year-old dog Bailey.

"We have got soaked on a few occasions and very muddy on others, but it has been worthwhile," she said.

"We walked 1,000,017 steps in total. It has been hard at times especially today as we did around seven miles to get finished.

"I have enjoyed the challenge, something I never thought I would be able to do and we finished by having a celebration walk round town."

Kate said they had now raised more than £1,000 to share between the four charities.

"Each charity has so far received £250, which has done so much to help them and we still hope to raise more.

"Our 2017 auction is already underway as is the 2017 animal walk and next year I wan to walk 1,000 miles for Jak's Legacy and other animal charities."

Kate added: "For my big birthday in just over a couple of years I would like to walk over the Sydney Harbour Bridge if I find a sponsor to help with costs. I am afraid of heights so it would be wonderful if I could do that for the animals."

For more information email jakslegacy@gmail.com or visit jakslegacy.com