A group friends in Whitchurch have raised just over £1,000 as part of an effort to help a much loved and critically ill dog receive surgery.

Becka Cooper, Alycia Gott, Troye Booker and Dailey Wojda carried out a 23-mile kayaking challenge from Ellesmere to Whitchurch to raise money for Rolo, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier owned by Dailey.

Rolo and suffers from a mysterious bone disease which causes him pain and the money raised will help pay for scans and treatment to find out what the disease is and how to treat it.

Becka paid tribute to those who took part in the challenge alongside her and thanked people for their support.

She said: "We are amazed how much we raised for the 'Rowing for Rolo.'

"We haven't got a final figure but we are a little over £1,000."

Becka added: "It is possibly one of the hardest things I have done, mentally and physically.

"During this whole event, planning, doing and aftermath, I have learnt how precious some people are to me, more than I realised before.

"There were so many jokes, laughter banter and even the hardest parts, there were still smiles and positivity.

"To everyone who sponsored us, thank you.

"You guys were the main reason we kept going.

"Your generosity and support is fantastic."

Whitchurch Herald: Rolo is owned by Dailey Wojda.

Rolo is a well loved by many people in the town and had been rescued by Dailey when he was a neglected pup and Becka added: "Everybody in town knows Dailey and Rolo, all the kids, when he goes for walks, all shout it's the dog with the hat.

"He is a lovely dog and Dailey knows everybody in town and I think helps everybody come together."

Speaking earlier in the year, Becka spoke about how Rolo has been a like a close family member for Dailey.

She said: "Rolo has not only been his best friend, he has been like a therapy dog.

"We call Rolo Dailey's soul mate because he is.

"Dailey rescued him as an underdeveloped and neglected pup, so he has had him for eight years.

"He walks for miles with him until all this happened.

"And now he is basically crate bound.

"Rolo is like a child to Dailey.

"My 11-year-old child and her friends have been going around sticking posters on lamp posts just to raise awareness.

"We are just clutching at straws to try and do everything we can."