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A fundraiser has been launched for a High-Tech Drone in memory of a beloved Springer Spaniel who was struck and killed on the M1. A dog owners ‘worst nightmare' came true on Saturday,

March 15, after a crash on the M1 at junction 33. A driver, who later failed a breath test, had crashed into another car which was carrying three family dogs. Unfortunately one dog - a

Springer Spaniel called Darcy - did not survive. The second dog, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier remained un-harmed, but the third, a German Shepherd called Athena, became so scared she ran

away. Luckily, the rescue team at ‘ K9-RSQ’ were able to capture Athena a few days later, using a thermal drone to find her. Founder of K9-RSQ, Glen Dent, said the equipment they use to

track missing dogs ‘makes the difference between life and death in many cases'. Glen said: “When dogs are near the motorway, every second counts. Right now, we have just one thermal

scope between us. It is a vital tool for spotting dogs that would otherwise be invisible in the dark or dense undergrowth.” _GET ALL THE LATEST AND BREAKING SOUTH YORKSHIRE NEWS STRAIGHT TO

YOUR INBOX BY_ _SIGNING UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER HERE._ However, with lost pets seemingly on the rise, the team have made a desperate plea to raise funds for a second state-of-the-art drone to

help with the increase in cases. Just a week before the crash, the team were called to help find Remy, a four-year-old Collie, who bolted from a horse transporter following an attempted

break-in at Woodhall Services. Remy fled southbound along the M1 near Barlborough, vanishing into nearby fields and sparking immediate concern for her safety. Glen said: “Remy wasn’t

responding to traps, so the drones became Plan-B and they worked. During Remy’s rescue, South Yorkshire Police even offered us a rolling roadblock escort on the M1 due to the seriousness of

the situation.” Using the drones, the team were able to locate Remy feeding on a dead pheasant, allowing the team and the dog's owner, Marian, to close in. With careful guidance from

the K9-RSQ team, Marian was able to safely bring Remy home. Now, the team is fundraising for a second drone, to help speed up the search-and-rescue process. Glen said: "With a thermal,

all-weather drone, we will be able to act faster and save more dogs like Athena and Remy. This kind of equipment makes the difference between life and death in many cases.” Donna Stone, who

manages the groups admin and financial oversight, urged the public to support the fundraiser: “Every donation helps a dog in need whether it’s a big gift or spare change. "We are a

dedicated team working to support families and save the lives of incredible dogs like Athena and Remy.” The fundraiser page can be found here. _GET ALL THE LATEST AND BREAKING NEWS IN

YORKSHIRE BY __SIGNING UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER HERE._