Rebecca’s dogged determination to get her neighbours through coronavirus lockdown

Rebecca, from Ashbrooke, is offering to walk dogs for anyone who is unable to exercise their pet during the outbreak because they are self-isolating.

Advertising worker Rebecca has been home-based since last month: “I have been working from home for about six weeks. It is not too bad, I think I am lucky because I have not been furloughed. I am pleased I am still working because it fills the day,” she said.

But she initially struggled to keep up with her exercise regime while unable to go to the gym.

“I started trying to run as often as possible because I used to go to the gym quite a lot and go running on the treadmill,” she said.

“But I tried running on the street when the lockdown started and I got shin splints immediately, so I have just been going out walking instead, which is lovely and I am really enjoying it.“

Animal lover Rebecca lives in Argyle Square - just a short walk from Backhouse Park and Mowbray Park – and has already registered with a website that links owners with people who don’t have dogs of their own and are willing to walk their pets: “I live in a flat and can’t have a dog but I grew up with them and have always loved them,” she said.

“I am on a website called ‘BorrowMyDoggy,’ which links people who have dogs with people who don’t,” she said.

Now she is offering to help anyone who is struggling to exercise their pet during the lockdown.

“I just thought it would be nice to offer a helping hand to anyone who is stuck in the house because they are self-isolating or have underlying conditions that put them are higher risk,” she said.

“And the company will be nice when I am out on my walk.

“People can get in touch with me through the the Residents of Ashbrooke Facebook page or through BorrowMyDoggy.”

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