When Jack, a second-year Economics and Finance student, moved from Skipton, North Yorkshire, to study here at Newcastle University, the thing he missed most was his five-year-old cockapoo, Ollie.
So when he found himself with a free weekend and a newly purchased National Trust membership, he decided to combine two things: exploring Northumberland and spending time with a dog.
Jack posted a simple request on local Jesmond Facebook group: asking if anyone would let him “borrow” their dog for a walk.
Jack didn’t have high hopes: “I wasn’t expecting a single response – even one would’ve made my day,” he told us.
Instead, he was inundated with messages from dog owners, more than happy to lend a paw.
The first to reply was Helen, who offered up her beloved cockapoo, Nala.
Jack, along with his friend, Euan, picked her up and headed to Rothbury, for some proper Northumberland walkies, stopping at a café for a full English (and a sausage for Nala) before exploring the grounds of Cragside.
At first, Nala wasn’t too sure.
“She was crying in the car when her owner walked away”, Jack explained. “But, once we started walking, she was loving it!”
That first trip was only the beginning...
More than thirty dog owners got in touch. Jack decided to turn his idea into a challenge: walk 100 kilometres across February, with local dogs, and raise money for Newcastle Cat and Dog Shelter.
On 1 March, he had completed the full 100km. He's also raised an amazing £605 for Newcastle Cat and Dog Shelter (Benton Lane).
“I thought, while we’ve got the traction, we may as well use it for a good cause”.
For many students, the first year of university can be the most challenging. It’s exciting, but also overwhelming. New routines, new friendships, new friends, new knowledge and new responsibilities arrive all at once.
“I’d say one thing I’ve struggled with at university is keeping structure,” Jack says. “You’ve got lectures, revision, a social life. It’s hard to have a routine”.
Walking regularly seems to have helped with that.
“It’s given me a structure. It’s got me out of the house, meeting up with friends and exploring places I wouldn’t have seen otherwise”.
Jack’s friends, who were also missing their dogs started joining him. What began with a fairly light-hearted Facebook post became something much more meaningful – long walks across the Town Moor, trips to the coast at Whitley Bay and Tynemouth, and snowy hikes through the Simonside Hills.
“Everyone’s stepping out of their comfort zone at university. Most people haven’t lived away from home for long before. So, it’s new for everyone”.
Alongside the countless miles (well, 62, to be exact) and the fundraising, what has stayed with Jack most is the sense of community he’s experienced – proving that dogs really do bring people together!
“I’ve reconnected with people I maybe hadn’t spoken to as much. It’s been great for everyone involved!”
Dog owners got a couple of hours of rest, friends got some fresh air and company, local dogs got long adventures, and a local shelter is benefitting from the fundraising.
“Having friends is the richest you can be,” Jack says. “If you can put a smile on someone’s face each day, you’ve done something right”.
For students who are missing home, or are trying to feel more settled, his advice is simple: get outside.
“Even if it’s just a walk down the Quayside. Join societies, talk to people. Everyone’s in the same boat.”
And, while his challenge may be complete, one thing is for sure: Jack won’t be short of walking companions any time soon.
Jack's GoFundMe Page is still open if you'd like to donate.