Family to raise funds for bereavement charity at Dereham Carnival Dog Show
Emma Herring is raising money for Nelson's Journey at the Dereham Carnival Dog Show. Picture: Ian Burt - Credit: IAN BURT
The daughter of a dog-lover who was killed in a crash on the A47 three years ago, has told how her mother would be 'so proud' of her family and how they were looking forward to playing a major role in this weekend's Dereham Carnival Dog Show.
Emma Herring was injured in the crash which killed her mother Kim Utting, 52, on Valentine's Day morning, 2013, near Dereham.
Mrs Utting, from Litcham, was well known on the dog showing circuit with her mastiffs and had won a major prize at Crufts.
Mrs Herring, who runs Litcham dog grooming business K9 Klipz, is also a keen dog shower along with her brother Jamie Dodd.
Since the accident they have raised money through auctions and dog shows for the Norfolk bereavement charity Nelson's Journey which helped Mrs Utting's young son Dudley to come to terms with the loss of his mum.
Mrs Herring said they were hoping to raise more funds for the charity at Sunday's dog show at Swanton Morley village hall.
'We have sponsored a class called the Kim Dodd-Utting Memorial Stakes with the entry fee being donated to the charity,' she said.
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'There is a five-tier rosette for first place, a four-tier for second, third to sixth have a three-tier rosette and two-tiers for seventh and eighth. There is also an engraved glass for first, a £20 cash prize, dog treats and bottle of wine for everyone who gets placed.
'We've gone a bit crazy.'
She said she will have a stand for her business which will be offering the chance to win a hamper and also a lesson with international clay pigeon shooter Aaron Heading who Jamie and Dudley have both been shooting with.
'We have put the word out among our showing friends and hoping for good weather,' she said. 'Mum would have enjoyed it so much. She would be so proud.
'It's been three years and life carries on but it does not mean you stop doing things to remember her.
'Nelson's Journey are fantastic and don't just help the bereaved child but everyone who is left behind who is supporting them, in this case his sister.
'Dudley doesn't need so much help now, has just turned 15 and is doing his GCSEs, but they are always there if we need them.'
The dog show is taking entries from 10am and judging starts at 11am.
Jamie Dodd is judging the pedigree classes and best in show as well as some of the novelty classes.
Mrs Utting's best friend Sharon Clarke will judge the crossbreed classes, handling classes as well as fancy dress, prettiest bitch, handsomest dog and best rescue.
There will be refreshments, raffle, bouncy castle and dog portrait photographer.
Entry is £1 per class or six classes for £5 and proceeds, apart from the memorial class, will be put towards this year's Dereham Carnival.
For more information visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/DCDogShow.
* Are you raising money in memory of a loved one? Email kathryn.cross@archant.co.uk.