Accapi Group, the exclusive European distributor of Ruffwear, was able to spread some festive cheer this week by donating a cheque to the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) which has supported the purchase of life saving kit, in memory of Ruffwear’s most treasured ambassadors Max ‘The Miracle Dog’.

Accapi Group CEO Andrew Geere, handed the cheque which was the culmination of 5% of all UK sales of the popular Orange Front Range Harness at a special fundraising event, a celebration of the life and legacy of Max on Saturday 17 December.

Max was a much-loved therapy dog who was followed the world over on social media. He sadly passed earlier this year but his owner Kerry Irving, a locksmith turned mental health campaigner and fundraiser plus his team of four-legged heroes Paddy, Harry (Max’s brothers) have carried on the Spaniel’s legacy, with a series of fundraising initiatives throughout the course of 2022.

With the support of his fans, followers, and outdoor dog brand Ruffwear. Kerry and the boys managed to raise enough funds to deliver a special Christmas gift to GNAAS in the form of a Volvo XC90 which was handed over to the Ambulance Service at the event attended by over 1,200 fans of the spaniels in Keswick, Cumbria.

Kerry organises many fundraising walks and talks where people and come and share their life experiences and love of the Lake District. Most of the events have a fundraising element to them.

Andrew Geere, CEO of Accapi Group, said: “Max was our most treasured ambassador for Ruffwear. We knew we had to mark his passing and give back to the huge contribution he has made to our brand. So, this year, to supplement the fundraising work of Kerry and the boys, Accapi donated 5% of all UK sales from the collection of products most loved by Kerry and Max to the GNAAS fund.

Max’s well recognised orange Front Range Harness, Lead and Collar has been our best-selling colour in 2022 which just shows how the love and support for this special spaniel still grows. His legacy lives on and we’re very proud to support such a worthy cause.”

This contribution, combined with the £160,000 raised by Kerry this year has bought the service a much-needed new ground vehicle. GNAAS is a charity which provides critical air ambulance care across the North of England. It is fully funded by voluntary contributions. The Volvo fast response vehicle is used in times when the helicopter can’t fly.

Kerry said: “We knew there would be a few tears shed today as the year draws to a close and we reflect on the great hole that Max has left behind. It has been fantastic to see so many people at the event to honour Max’s legacy and hopefully we put a smile on people’s faces when we revealed the new vehicle. Things like this really do keep Max’s memory alive.”