24/06/2026
Ronnie’s future looks a whole lot brighter today…
On the evening of the Summer Solstice, NANAS trustee Neil Featherby and friend Chas set off from Felthorpe with one goal in mind: to help Ronnie the Rottweiler receive the urgent eye surgery he desperately needs.
Their challenge was simple in theory. Travel across Norfolk through the shortest night of the year and arrive at Cromer Pier in time to welcome the Solstice sunrise.
The reality was slightly different.
Missed signposts, unexpected detours and several phone calls from Steph Jones informing them that they had once again gone the wrong way made for a memorable night. At one point, while wandering around near Blickling Hall Church in the darkness with backpacks and head torches, they were even mistaken for ghost hunters!
Despite all of that, Neil and Chas still made it to Cromer Pier an hour ahead of schedule.
Although the sunrise itself never appeared thanks to thick cloud cover, it was still a very special moment. Waiting at the finish were Lynsey, Steph and all the dogs, making the end of the journey even more memorable.
A huge thank you also goes to Steve and Tina Wilde, who got out of bed in the early hours to greet the team at the pier with refreshments, and to Karen Grapes, whose support and encouragement throughout the challenge was greatly appreciated.
Most importantly, thanks to the incredible generosity of supporters, friends and local animal lovers, a fantastic £2,025 has been raised for Ronnie’s treatment.
While Ronnie will sadly lose one eye, the operation will remove his pain and give vets the best possible chance of saving the sight in the other.
NANAS was proud to contribute £500 towards that total, helping ensure Ronnie can now receive the surgery he urgently needs.
This challenge was never really about miles.
It was about a dog who needed help.
Thanks to an amazing community of people, Ronnie will now get the treatment he deserves.
Thank you to everyone who donated, shared, encouraged and supported the challenge along the way.
You have genuinely changed a life.
Good luck Ronnie - we’re all rooting for you.
