Latest news with #ShaunReynolds
BBC News
6 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Research fundraiser in Berkshire for 'devastating' dog disease
A man who lost his dog to a rare disease is raising money for research into the Reynolds' whippet, Willow, died from Alabama rot in March 2024, a rare disease with only a 10% survival cause is unknown, but researchers believe it could be caused by a bacteria or toxin and that walking in wet, muddy conditions may somehow be Reynolds said losing Willow was "devastating" and he is holding an event at Lambourn Sports Club in Berkshire to raise awareness and money for researching the disease. Willow's first symptom was a limp that was initially treated as a fracture and infection, Mr Reynolds said."She had an initial round of treatment and after five days you'd be hard pressed to know there was anything wrong with her," he said."Then a skin sore appeared, which is one of the main symptoms of Alabama rot."She was treated in intensive care at Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists in Winchester, Hampshire, and seemed to recover, but then she went downhill developed kidney failure and died on 5 March 2024."She went from being fit and healthy to dead in three weeks," said Mr Reynolds."It was devastating." How to recognise Alabama rot The following are typical signs of Alabama rot:Skin sores, visible swelling, red patch or skin defects not caused by a known injury. These skin lesions typically appear below the knee or elbow, and occasionally on the face or at the bottom of the chest or in appetite - reduced appetite, drinking more, vomiting and lethargy are signs of acute kidney the majority of visible skin lesions will not be caused by Alabama rot disease, and most cases of kidney failure will be a result of another Anderson Moores Mr Reynolds said he was aware of the disease and took precautions, including washing Willow's paws after a wet muddy said that when Willow was being treated people would ask about her, but only about half of them knew what Alabama rot was."Whatever the outcome, I wanted to raise awareness and funds," he initially set out to raise £10,000, but has now hit £15,000 and wants to increase that to £20,000 at a fundraiser at Lambourn Sports Club on 14 event will see the football field turned into a race track in honour of Willow, who was a champion will also be family games, a silent auction, a raffle and a live Irish band, Mr Reynolds said. You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Man fights against deadly disease that killed dog after walk near Swindon
A man is continuing his fight against the deadly disease that killed his dog after a walk near Swindon. Shaun Reynolds lost his dog, Willow, to Alabama Rot, a rare disease that affects dogs, last year. Since then, he has been raising money for the Alabama Rot Research Fund. He has already raised £15,000, and hopes to reach his £20,000 target this month. Read more: Record-breaking beer and cider festival attracts over 1,400 people To help him reach his goal, he has organised a fundraising event called 'A Celebration of Willow #2' at Lambourn Sports Club on Sunday, June 29. The event will feature seven live whippet races on a purpose-built track on the club's football pitch. There will also be a three-piece traditional Irish band to entertain the crowds. Other activities include life-sized garden games, a bouncy castle, a charity Tote, a silent auction, and the chance for people to run their own dogs behind the lure ahead of the races. Food and drink will be provided by local vendors. Mr Reynolds hopes to raise £5,000 at the event. He said: "Last year blew me away. "I thought the event would be popular, but the turnout went beyond what I expected and everyone was complimentary afterwards which meant the world. "Willow's story has touched millions of people. "While losing her was completely devastating and still upsets me each day, her legacy can be to ensure as few dogs as possible go through what she experienced at the end." Willow died after 21 days of intensive care treatment. There is no cure for Alabama Rot, and it is not known how it is caught. An estimated 90 per cent of dogs infected die. To date, 338 cases of Alabama Rot have been confirmed. Mr Reynolds added: "There have been no reported cases of Alabama Rot within 40 miles of Lambourn – where she was infected – in the last year. "That hasn't happened since the disease was first identified over a decade ago. "It's impossible to know for sure, but I'd like to think she's helped to save a life or two. Read more: Swindon and Wiltshire Pride appoints first-ever patron "I'd love to see as many people trackside on June 29 for a genuinely fantastic and fun day out for all the family all for a fiver, with all proceeds going to the Alabama Rot Research Fund. "Hopefully see you then." Admission for 'A Celebration of Willow #2' is priced at £5, with the option for racegoers to pay £10, £15, or £20 per ticket should they wish to contribute additional funds. Cash is accepted on the day. Doors open at 1pm, with the first of seven races starting at 3pm. Parking is available onsite.
