A CHEQUE for more than £1,200 has been presented to Nowzad dog charity by Monmouth School Sports Club.

Representatives from the charity received the cheque last Friday (31st July).

The River Wye Swim, organised by Teresa Tranter from Monmouth School Sports Club, saw 80 people take to the water in May.

Brave participants swam a mix of 1k and 2k routes to raise £1,262 for the charity.

Nowzad is dedicated to re-homing dogs who have accompanied soldiers in Afghanistan.

It was set up by Sergeant ‘Pen’ Farthing of the British Royal Marines who bonded with a dog he named Nowzad. At the end of their tour of duty the marines hatched a plan to rescue Nowzad and take him back to the UK. This subsequently launched the Nowzad charity.

The aim of the charity is to improve the welfare of dogs in Afghanistan. It has helped more than 650 soldiers serving in Afghanistan to be reunited back in their home countries with their dogs or cats rescued from the front lines of Afghanistan.

Stuart Hale who has served multiple tours in Afghan-istan, bonded particularly with a dog now re-homed in Herefordshire called Gnasher. Stuart met him in 2006 during a tour. He said that Gnasher could smell the Afghans when they were about to attack and would warn the soldiers. It was because of his bravery that he became a target for the Afghans. Stuart said Gnasher had “been through it” and was pleased he’d found a new home.

Sian Lloyd from Nowzad said: “When you’re a young soldier it can be frightening for you out in Afghanistan.?“An animal gives a bit of comfort and protection.”

There will be a coffee morning to raise money for Nowzad on Saturday 22nd August at the Priory in Monmouth.

To find out more about Nowzad, visit: www.nowzad.com