Dame Sarah Storey urges 'put dogs on leads' after attack near miss at National Trust park
01.04.2024 - 09:27
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey has urged dog walkers to keep their pets on leads - after she described a frightening "near miss" at a National Trust park.
Britain's most successful female Paralympian issued the warning on social media after a visit to Lyme Park in Disley, Cheshire. She said was "centimetres from being the victim of a dog attack" at the parkland.
Lyme Park has also responded to Dame Sarah's experience and has reminded ALL dog walkers of their responsibilities when using National Trust parklands.
READ MORE: The scenic village near Greater Manchester named UK's best foodie destination
Dame Sarah, who is now the Active Travel Commissioner for Greater Manchester, wrote of her experience last week on X. She wrote: "Centimetres from being the victim of a dog attack whilst in @NTLymePark this afternoon.
"Absolutely scared the life out of me & not 100% sure what I did that resulted in making the dog leave me alone but I’m so glad it did. Please put your dogs on a lead."
She later went on to thank friends and followers for their messages after the near miss. She said: "Thanks for the messages of concern, I’m ok, but as someone already scared of dogs after being bitten as a child, it’s not done much to help that improve."
Followers recounted their own experiences of unruly dogs and sympathised with Sarah's plight. Macc Active traveller wrote: "Too many people think that everyone likes dogs. And that theirs would never bite anyone. I have been bitten while cycling before."
John Cooke wrote: "Have been bitten while running, it was very unpleasant."
The official National Trust Lyme Park account on X also responded to Sarah about the incident. It said: "Hi Sarah, we're really sorry to hear this has happened and