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Date Published: 07/02/2023

British expat raises thousands in 240km charity walk in aid of Akira Animal Sanctuary, Benissa

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Benissa resident Lee Harker hiked from Moraira to Valencia on the Costa Blanca

British expat raises thousands in 240km charity walk in aid of Akira Animal Sanctuary, Benissa

A British expat has raised more than a whopping 10,000 euros to help build a new exercise and rehabilitation centre at Benissa's Akira Animal Sanctuary.

Lee Harker and his partner Fay are avid Akira supporters, volunteering at the shelter whenever they can and have even adopted two rescue dogs.

Upon hearing Akira's plans to create a new and costly dedicated rehabilitation area for the animals, Lee decided to hike 240km from Moraira to Valencia and back again.

He set himself the ambitious target of raising 10,000 euros and set up a GoFundMe page to draw in as much greatly-needed cash as possible.

"The new centre will help teach rescued dogs new life skills and overcome trauma which will help their potential for adoption. The reason I’m doing this is because I love dogs (well, all animals, just dogs the most!)," he said prior to the trek.

Setting off on January 30, Lee covered 40km a day staying at hostels along the way, making it home on February 4. And thanks to his incredible efforts, the sanctuary will receive his pledged target and even a little more after receiving 202 donations totalling 10,351 euros (as of February 7).

Akira President, Lin Di Stefano, said: "We are delighted to say that thanks to Lee and public support, he smashed his goal and raised a little over 10K."

"Lee overcame his natural shyness in front of the camera in order to present a daily video diary of the days events. This allowed us to follow his route his trials and tribulations, some entries didn't need speech as his face spoke a thousand words. It brought alive his determination and true grit needed to reach the end and fulfil his goal to help the dogs."

A delighted Lee also thanked everyone for their support.

“I’m grateful to everyone who has donated and for every single euro – it was great motivation to carry on. I’ve been blown away by all the words of support every day of the walk. It kept me going when the going got tough!

"It was six days of hard work and harsh for my body, but in the end, it is only six days. Some people and some animals have to tolerate much worse pain and hardship than that and for a much longer period of time."

Akira's president had the last word in a post on Facebook, and applauded Lee's strength and determination".

"This (money) is going to help so much towards the build of our planned recreation/training and agility area for our dogs. A real legacy for Lee that will help so many dogs for years to come. There aren't enough words to thank him enough, but I will say a massive thank you Lee, you are an amazing man," he said.

Donations can still be made on Lee's GoFundMe page, and you can find out more about Akira Animal Sanctuary and Lee's trek and diary at https://akira-animals.com.

Also of interest: Torrevieja Animal Shelter is now open all year round

Image 1: GoFundMe

Image 2: Ayuntamiento de Benissa

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