A two-year-old black Labrador from Cornwall is heading off on an epic adventure that will raise money and awareness for charity.
Luna and her owner, Tom Miles, 49, are walking the 300‑mile Cornwall coastline in support of ShelterBox. The pair, who live in Lostwithiel, started their journey in Bude and hope to reach Plymouth in under two weeks.
“Luna is young and fit so she’s loving it and swims at every beach,” says Tom. “We're walking around 20 to 25 miles a day. It’s crazy hilly, so the days are long, but there will be plenty of camping, wagging tails, and sea swims along the way.”
Tom was inspired to take on the challenge after volunteering with ShelterBox, speaking at community events about the charity’s work around the world.
Since being established in 2000, ShelterBox has supported more than 3 million people across around 100 countries with shelter and essential items like water filters, solar lights, blankets, and mosquito nets. It’s currently supporting people displaced in Lebanon, Gaza, Syri, and Sudan.
“ShelterBox is a Cornwall‑based charity, and I really want to shine a light on the amazing work they do,” says Tom.
“I’ve visited so many beautiful parts of Cornwall and wanted to link them all together in one big adventure to raise crucial funds."
ShelterBox’s Community Engagement Officer, John Stanbury says: “Tom is an extraordinary Ambassador for ShelterBox, volunteering his time to amplify the voices of the people we support.
“Our volunteers often give brilliant talks and then never know what those in the audience might go on to do next. I'm so glad Tom knows the difference Luna will make with this epic fundraising challenge. We are so proud of them both.”
To help people follow along, Tom’s son Ash has created a fundraising page and set up Luna - a Labrador-Collie cross - on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, sharing updates from her paw‑powered challenge.
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