Transforming Lives

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

This year I have been lucky enough to land a ballot place in the Virgin London Marathon. This has given me the opportunity to run for a charity of my choice. So, why Canine Partners? It's about Transforming Lives.

Canine Partners is a national charity based in West Sussex. Their aim is to transform the lives of people with disabilities by partnering them with highly trained assistance dogs. As a vet I am well aware of the value of the human-animal bond and its potential therapeutic benefits. The practical assistance that these dogs provide can dramatically improve quality of life for disabled people. Graduating with a Canine Partner can rebuild self-confidence, self esteem and personal dignity; can open doors to greater independence; can encourage social interaction and at the same time help create empathy for local disabled people.

There are strong local links to the charity and a number of potential future canine partners have been cared for by St. Anne's Veterinary Group while puppies in training. My own Labrador, George, has litter mates who are currently in training. I can see the hard work which goes into nurturing these dogs. I also have first hand experience of the changes in your life that disability can bring about. In 2009 my father lost a leg following a knee replacement surgery. This disability has had a profound effect on his life which he has borne with great dignity. Simple tasks suddenly became very difficult or painful or impossible. The value of a Canine Partner in reducing the impact of disability cannot be understated.

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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.