I am running Magna Carta Marathon on 7th June to help Skye.

Read the full story at Jeremy's page

I usually have a 'one fundraising run' per year limit. However, this is a unique and urgent situation.

My friend Jeremy Burton's 16 year-old daughter Skye, is in need of an assistance dog to help her manage anxiety, depression, and factors related to autism.

Having an assistance dog will help Skye to regain her independence and confidence–something which has seemed unattainable over the past few years.

Due to personal circumstances, funding the £11,000 for the matching and training process for the assistance dog, is not something that Jeremy, Rebecca and Skye can do without our help.

I worked with Jeremy for many years. He a brilliant and kind soul, who would always help when I asked. So, it is time to repay those good deeds.

What is an Autism Assistance Dog?

Like us, you might not have heard about autism assistance dogs before.

To appreciate just how transformative these dogs can be, you need to understand what makes them special:

- *Not just therapy dogs*: While therapy dogs and emotional support dogs offer invaluable comfort, autism assistance dogs receive specialised training specifically for autistic individuals.

- *Public access rights*: These highly trained dogs can accompany their handler everywhere—into shops, colleges, restaurants, and other public places.

- *Immediate intervention*: They're trained to recognise signs of distress and provide therapeutic interventions when needed, including:

-- Deep pressure therapy during anxiety attacks

-- Disruption of self-harming behaviors

-- Creating a physical barrier in overwhelming situations

-- Providing stability and routine in daily life