Photo: James Middleton/Instagram. Inset: Sebastian Reuter/Getty
James Middleton rarely goes anywhere without his beloved pups, but now his special mode of transportation for them is gone.
Kate Middleton‘s younger brotherrevealed on InstagramWednesday that theunique bike he is frequently seen on— complete with a cart in front where his many dogs ride — was recently stolen.
James, 32, decided to turn his misfortune into a positive, however. He pledged that if the post reached 15,000 likes, he would make a donation to theBattersea Dogs & Cats Home, “in support of their wonderful work [whose] residents have lost more than just a bike!”
As of Thursday morning, the post far exceeded the goal with nearly 30,000 likes.
James Middleton’s Dog Bike.James Middleton/Instagram
In anop-edfor theDaily Mailpublished in January, James opened up about hisbattle with depression, recounting his darkest moments before seeking treatment a little over a year ago. He alsocredited his dogswith providing emotional support.
“I recognize, too, the role my dogs — Ella, Inca, Luna, Zulu and Mabel — have played in my recovery,” he wrote.
James Middleton.James Middleton Instagram
“Ella, particularly, has been my constant companion for ten years and she’s been with me to all my therapy sessions. In her own particular way, she has kept me going,” he continued. “As a result, Ella and I now volunteer with the Pets As Therapy charity and Ella is a fully-fledged therapy dog for PAT.”
James later revealed his reason for speaking out on his experience is to help change the stigma associated with mental illness.
In addition, James felt compelled to follow the lead of his sister Kate, brother-in-lawPrince WilliamandPrince Harry, who have beenstrong advocatesfor mental health.
“They believe we can only tackle the stigma associated with mental illness if we have the courage to change the national conversation, to expel its negative associations.”
source: people.com
