Maya is non verbal autistic and is about to start school after the summer holidays. Her family have bought her a dog - Cooper, who will be trained as a therapy dog. Training takes place at the Waggy Dog Project in West Lothian and costs £2,500.
There are lots of benefits to Maya having a therapy dog. Cooper will help her sleep better by giving her deep pressure by lying on her; Cooper will help calm her down when she's distressed; he'll help with her social skills; he'll stop Maya wandering off and guide her back if she does; she'll be able to be more independent when she's older; it'll take some of the daily pressure of Maya's mum and dad and will act as Maya's best buddy.
On Saturday 28th July Maya's mum Leanne and I are climbing Ben Nevis with the fitness group Tone Edinburgh. Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in all the British Isles sitting at 1343m high so we've certainly set ourselves a challenge! We would appreciate any sponsors towards our target. Thank you Lisa and Leanne.