Keswick’s mental health champion and fundraiser Kerry Irving has announced he is stepping down as an ambassador for the Great North Air Ambulance Service.
Mr Irving and his English springer spaniels gained a huge international following after broadcasting their daily walks live via their Facebook page Max Out in the Lake District.
In a statement posted on the social media platform, Mr Iriving said: “After many days of deliberating, I have today decided to step down as GNAAS Ambassador. We have supported the Great North Air Ambulance Service for over two and a half years and, through our journey, made some incredible friends in our fundraising for them, including presenting them with the Powered by Max Car, the crew van, with nearly half a million pounds raised to help save lives through the Max Out Community.
“I want to thank the ops team for their support Lee, Gordon, paramedic Terry to name but a few and all the staff who work behind the scenes for this amazing charity
“It’s been at times both an emotional and life consuming but a very proud part of my life, but I feel it’s time to look to new ventures and adventures. Thank you all so much.”
Mr Irving’s first dog, Max, was credited with turning his life around after a traffic collision left him with chronic pain and unable to walk, as well as mental health issues. Max, dubbed the “Miracle Dog” sadly died in 2022, aged 14, but his legacy has continued with Paddy, Harry and Tally. Fundraising Brew for Moo dog walks in memory of ‘Maxi-moo’ at Tewet Tarn and Buttermere have raised thousands of pounds for the GNAAS.
