Suffolk Dog Day is celebrating its tenth birthday this year and organisers hope that the anniversary event could also see them celebrating a fundraising milestone.

Bury Mercury: Suffolk Dog DaySuffolk Dog Day (Image: Archant)

Over the last nine years, the day has raised more than £400,000 for those most in need across the county and this year could see it reach the grand total of half a million.

The day is organised by Suffolk Community Foundation and run entirely by volunteers, with all proceeds going to support local charities.

Tim Holder, from Suffolk Community Foundation, says: “This year is going to be incredibly special. With fair weather – not too hot or cold – we are hoping for a record breaker for our 10th birthday celebration. We might just sneak through the £500,000 total for fundraising too. A really impressive sum that is all invested back into helping Suffolk community groups and charities.”

Suffolk Dog Day is at Helmingham Hall on July 30.

Don’t forget to vote for your Dog of the Decade here. The top ten breeds will take part in special parades on the day.

A Dog’s Tale from Lily Brown, a Young People’s Worker at 4YP

One of the charities to benefit from Suffolk Dog Day is 4YP Suffolk Young People’s Health Project - an Ipswich-based charity that works with young people, aged 12-25 years old, offering support and services to benefit social, emotional and physical needs.

Lily Brown is a Young People’s Worker at 4YP and her role is to engage and support young people.

She says: “I enjoy giving young people the time and space to develop their skills and independence. I get to watch young people build friendships, have fun and try new things.”

Bury Mercury: Lily Brown's dog, AlvyLily Brown's dog, Alvy (Image: Archant)

Lily has a Lhasa Apso/Pug cross called Alvy and when the 4YP team entered ‘The Whole Hog Mud Run’ a few years ago, Alvy was the team mascot.

“It was a challenge,” Lily says. “As we headed towards the finish line we were tired, cold and very muddy. The last few obstacles used every bit of the team’s energy. As we scrabbled over the last mountain of haybales, we saw our friends, family members and staff from 4YP cheering us on in the distance. We crossed the line out of breath but smiles on our faces and I looked down to see Alvy greeting me - he was also covered in mud...and fox poo!”