Darlington woman creates bucket list for Border Collie with cancer

Sam Stanley was hit with the devastating news that her four-legged friend Dolly had been diagnosed with incurable cancer in April last year.

But determined to let seven-year-old Dolly live out her best life, Sam created a bucket list for the collie including camping holidays and canoeing trips.

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Sam, from Darlington, told the Echo: “Our lovely Dolly was diagnosed with cancer in April last year.

Border Collie Dolly who was diagnosed with incurable cancer last April with dog mum Sam and her partner Danny Wragg. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

“We were told dogs with her cancer could live eight months, some longer, some less. So far, she’s smashing the odds.

“We’re trying to make memories with her as much as possible - I’ve even created a bucket list for her.

“We love going camping and taking her on adventures so that’s what we’re trying to do a lot of.

“I took her on a canoe in the Lakes last summer and in September we rented a campervan and did the North Coast 500 route with her.

Dolly on her canoeing adventure (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

“We’ve got a few more campervan trips planned for this year too.”

The 30-year-old office manager is now planning to run the London Marathon to raise money for vet charity the PDSA, in the hope they can help other dogs given similar diagnoses.

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“Luckily with pet insurance, we didn’t have to pay the bulk of our vert bill for Dolly’s surgery but it made me very upset to think of those who can’t afford the vet care for their pets,” she added.

Dolly on one of her bucket list adventures. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

“I don’t know what I’d do without Dolly so I imagine PDSA is a lifeline to some families, especially in the current cost of living crisis.

“It’s funny because I actually hate running, and everyone knows I do.

“I did do the Great North Run for a different charity a few years ago so I have some experience in training but I haven’t put on my running shoes since before lockdown.”

Sam is planning to run the marathon alongside her Auntie, Julie Bell, and they’re both taking on the challenge for the first time.

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The 26.2-mile challenge is set to take place on Sunday, April 23.

Lucy Povall, fundraising manager at the PDSA, said: “We’re all so thankful to Sam for choosing to run for PDSA this year. Her generous fundraising efforts will enable us to continue our life-saving work, treating pets whose owners have nowhere else to turn.

“It is thanks to the incredible support of kind-hearted people like Sam that we are able to provide vital treatment for poorly animals and make a real difference to their owners.”