Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

During Covid-19 pandemic lockdown I'm 'bivvying' for 21 consecutive nights in my garden to raise funds for SARDA Scotland (Search and Rescue Dog association.)

SARDA Scotland trains dogs and their handlers to search for missing persons who then support mountain rescue teams. A dog can check and cover a large search area, quickly eliminating areas which could take a mountain rescue team days to cover. They also assist the police in searching for vulnerable missing people. All the dog handlers are volunteers and can assist 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Dogs are trained to use their acute sense of smell. Training a dog will start at 12 weeks old where a dog will learn to associate finding a human with fun and a toy as a reward. A dog will go through a meticulous programme of training and assessments: even fully qualified dogs continually practice their scenting skills.

In a single year equipping a dog and it's handler can cost between £4K and £5K. Vital equipment such as jackets for both dog and handler, helicopter harness for the dog and handler, avalanche transceiver has to be bought and insurance paid.

To raise funds for SARDA Scotland I'm 'bivvying' for 21 consecutive nights in my Covid-19 Lockdown garden. I'll be spending each night tucked up in a 'bivvy bag', a simple waterproof covering which pulls over my sleeping mat and bag.

I regularly bivvy in the Scottish mountains - on summits or on exposed narrow ridges. To find more shelter I may sleep behind boulders or raised mounds of earth to hide away from the wind. I never know where I'm going to spend the night until a spot on the mountain inspires me to stay there. I hope to entertain you with the places I find to sleep in my garden - I have no idea either where I'm going to sleep. I may be hidden away or spend the night in an obvious place. Wherever I find to sleep don't expect me to be sleeping on the ground all the time.

I hope you will support me by donating to SARDA Scotland. It doesn't have to be much - the cost of a pint or a cup of coffee can make a difference.

You can follow my progress on Twitter at @StrachanHazel or on Instagram @strachanhazel

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Many thanks,

Hazel x