Our goal: £10,995 by July 2025 to transform Skye's life with an autism assistance dog

Our 16-year-old daughter, Skye, has been struggling with anxiety and depression for several years. Unable to attend school, and isolated from her peers, she lost all hope and wanted her life to be over.

Every day has been a struggle for Skye. As parents, watching our daughter suffer has been heartbreaking. We tried everything we could think of to help her.

A Turning Point And New Hope

In January, Skye received an autism diagnosis. This breakthrough helped us understand why she has been struggling for so long.

Inspired by this new understanding, Skye discovered the Autism Dogs Charity. When she found their website, a whole new world of possibility opened up. For the first time in years, we saw genuine excitement in her eyes as she explained how an assistance dog could support her and change her life.

What Makes an Autism Assistance Dog So Special?

These aren't ordinary pets or even typical therapy dogs:

- **Specialised training**: These dogs receive extensive training specifically for autistic individuals

- **Legal public access rights**: They can accompany Skye everywhere--into shops, colleges, cafes, and all public places

- **Life-changing interventions**: They're trained to recognise signs of distress and provide immediate help by:

- Performing deep pressure therapy during anxiety attacks

- Disrupting self-harming behaviours

- Creating a physical barrier in overwhelming situations

- Providing stability and routine in daily life

To learn more about how an assistance dog can support an autistic young person watch this short video:

Skye's Future With an Assistance Dog

Since learning about autism assistance dogs, Skye has started talking optimistically about her future for the first time in years. With an assistance dog by her side, Skye could:

- Recognise and manage anxiety before it escalates

- Gradually return to public settings with newfound confidence

- Develop independence from constant parental supervision

- Have intervention during moments of crisis

- Feel safe at night and get quality sleep

Things that previously seemed impossible--attending college, going to university, living independently--now feel achievable with the support of an assistance dog.

Our Progress So Far

We've already taken the first step by paying the £4,000 enrollment fee to secure Skye's place in the programme. Skye contributed her own savings toward this initial deposit, showing how important this is to her.

Why We Need to Raise £10,995

The full cost of the programme to Autism Dogs Charity is £22,000. While they subsidise this cost through their own fundraising, the remaining costs to us are:

- ✓ Initial enrollment fee: £4,000 (PAID)

- ⮕ Matching and specialised training: £10,995

- **TOTAL REMAINING: £10,995**

Once we reach this target, Skye will be matched with her dog and the life-changing training process will begin!

Why We Need Your Help Now

Providing the day-to-day care that Skye needs has limited our ability to work over the last couple of years. We are committed to doing everything possible to raise the remaining funds, but we can't do it alone.

Every contribution brings Skye one step closer to independence and hope.

How You Can Help

1. **Donate today** through this secure JustGiving page

2. **Share this campaign** with your networks

3. **Organise a fundraiser** (bake sale, sponsored event, etc.)

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, we will withdraw funds directly.

Our Promise to You

We'll keep everyone updated on our progress and share Skye's journey as she gets matched with her assistance dog and begins training. In addition to posting updates here, we've created a private Facebook group where we'll be sharing photos and the occasional video.

JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP 👉 https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Btv9gnVZE

A Heartfelt Thank You

Your support means the world to us and offers Skye hope for a brighter future. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! ❤️

Jeremy, Rebecca & Skye

P.S. Special thanks to our good friend Matt Robertson for his heart-warming illustration of Skye and her dream companion.