THE Rubery owners of a popular dog who brings smiles to youngsters at a children's hospice will be bringing him along on their fundraising walk.

Costa will be walking with owners Jackie and Keith Medler and hundreds of other fundraisers on the Acorns Lantern Walk in Cannon Hill Park on October 3.

The collie works as a Pets as Therapy dog for the charity, visiting the charity's hospice in Selly Oak and helping to provide a memorable experience to children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.

Jackie said for children who can’t communicate, interaction with Costa can have a therapeutic benefit.

“Costa loves the children and enjoys playing with them and having a fuss," she said.

"These children have so much asked of them in terms of medical interventions and treatments, it’s lovely when now and again you can be part of a bigger picture that brings a smile to their face and enriches their lives even in a small way.

“Their smiles say it all and it’s great to think that we may have brightened someone’s day by just a simple visit.”

The walk will see participants take part in a five kilometre or 12 kilometre stroll, all carrying lanterns.

Jackie and Keith will be walking the five kilometre route of the Lantern Walk and are hoping to raise around £100 for the charity.

Anita Lattimer, who works as a specialist children’s nurse at Acorns in Birmingham, based in Selly Oak, said: “The majority of our work is funded by the generous support of fundraisers at events like the lantern walk.

“Money raised through sponsorship from this event means that nurses like me can provide the specialist one-to-one care for life-limited and life-threatened children and support for their families which is so vital.”

There is still time to sign up to the event, by visiting acorns.org.uk/shinetogether, contact events@acorns.org.uk or call 01564 825037.