ABOUT BROWN DOG
Brown Dog is a fantastic group of passionate volunteers.
We raise money to purchase vital equipment or infrastructure to improve the detection or treatment of cancer (and improve patient care) to subsequently save or extend life.
We’re proud that every penny we raise goes directly to this cause as we are a non-profit making charity with no administrative overheads.
Our Brown Dog events have a real family atmosphere, giving challengers an unforgettable experience, whilst raising funds for a fantastic cause.
OUR STORY
In April 1999 Mark Storer (from Coalville, Leicestershire - married to Helen, with 5 children and Colin, the chocolate Labrador) was told that he had testicular cancer and that his cancer had spread to his lungs and lymph nodes. He would require an extensive chemotherapy over 6 months. Thankfully Mark responded to the chemotherapy and a year later was told he was in the clear.
Mark decided he wanted to do something to raise money for the hospital to say thank you. So with the help of his friends, Anil Patel and Peter Little, a charity challenge was organised in the Lake District called "The Wordsworth Challenge". An amazing £22,000 was raised and donated to the hospital to refurbish the very old and tired day room on the Oncology ward.
Mark and his friends decided they wanted to continue with fund raising events so that the group would be able to help more people who had cancer, but agreed they needed to have an identity. At the time most of the people who took part in the first challenge worked for Lloyds-TSB (where Mark worked at that time) and as such Mark suggested the name 'Brown Donkey' as a spoof of the Lloyds logo the "black horse". However, Pete Little said "Why call ourselves brown donkey when you have a brown dog - let's call ourselves Brown Dog".
So Brown Dog was formed, named after Mark's faithful chocolate Labrador, Colin.
Sadly Colin died in 2010 aged 12, ironically from cancer - but his legacy lives on!
Brown Dog became a registered charity in October 2005, which included the formation of the Brown Dog Trustee Board.
In recognition of Mark's leadership of Brown Dog and the huge amount of charitable fundraising raised by the group he was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in 2024.
"When I was told in 1999 that I had cancer and that I would need 6 months of chemotherapy I thought my luck had run out. When I was told a year later that I was in full remission, that's when I realised I was really one of the lucky ones.
That's when I knew in my heart that I needed to raise money to say thank you to those who had saved my life and help others who have cancer."
Mark Storer, BEM - Founder Member of Brown Dog
What our community says about us
"It has been an absolute pleasure to work with the Brown Dog team! All the arrangements were spot on and the views of the hills blew our minds away. Thank you again!" - Tina
"My experience of walking with the Brown Dog team was an absolute delight! So much fun and such breathtaking views of the beautiful region we live in. Well done everyone!" - George