Jacqui and Scrumpy, with a miniature crochet of George who passed away from prostate cancer earlier this year
A University of Portsmouth researcher is preparing for an extraordinary journey of love and remembrance with her eight-year-old corgi, in memory of her late husband George who passed away from prostate cancer last year.
Jacqui and Scrumpy will walk the 630-mile South West Coast Path in 2026, raising funds for Prostate Cancer UK and University Hospitals Dorset 's Prostate Cancer Services.
George completed the same trek in 2009 to raise £10,000 for clinical neurology research, and Jacqui aims to honour his memory by matching that total.
In a touching tribute, Jacqui will also carry a crocheted version of George with her, just as he carried the miniature toy of himself on his original walk.
"Scrumpy was George's girl through and through, right until the end," Jacqui explains. "If George was on the sofa, she was there every single time. This walk is about keeping them together and continuing the adventures they loved."
Scrumpy relaxing with her late owner George
The journey isn't an easy one - especially for a sofa loving pooch potato like Scrumpy. The South West Coast Path is Britain's longest waymarked footpath.
The 12kg Welsh Pembroke Corgi will walk when she can, travel by pram for some stretches, and ride in a backpack when needed - meaning Jacqui will often be carrying her along the path's steep and demanding terrain.
The University of Portsmouth community has rallied behind Rix Big Ramble 2 . Dr Gemma Milligan , Associate Professor in Occupational and Applied Physiology in the School of Psychology, Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences , has designed a comprehensive training programme to prepare Jacqui for the 8-week journey. She hopes to complete it over 52 walking days.
"Dr Milligan has been amazing, designing a training programme and giving me loads of advice," says Jacqui. "The support from the University has been incredible."
The Sport Chiropractic Clinic, and Podiatry Clinic, at the Health Sciences University are providing Jacqui with treatment and support to keep her body going during training. Anytime Fitness (Ringwood) are providing Jacqui with complementary gym membership to support her training in the lead up to the trek.
George, who held a PhD in Clinical Neuroscience from Southampton University and worked as a lecturer at Health Sciences University, shared his passion for walking and the outdoors with Jacqui, including memorable walks along the Isle of Wight coast path together.
George and Jacqui on a walk together
Jacqui is documenting the journey on Instagram at @rixbigramble2, where supporters can follow Jacqui and Scrumpy's journey through training to completing the walk.
To support Jacqui's walk and donate to Prostate Cancer UK and University Hospitals Dorset, visit: https://givewheel.com/fundraising/10046/rix-big-ramble-2/
