I've been running for a year now and have only one Half Marathon under my belt.  Therefore it only seemed right to further challenge myself in the London Marathon this April. And having secured myself a place in the Ballott I knew that there was no turning back. The training has been tough, especially those cold,snowy, wet, windy days where the warmth of indoors plagues your mind as you run further and further away from that comfort. However all the way through ive thouroughly enjoyed the feeling of achievement, the early morning light and the usually bustling London streets and parks in the tranquility of dawn.  April 21st is near approaching and I truly can't wait! The charity Canine partners is one that Wandsworth Prep (where my son Maddox goes) have already raised enough money to adopt a "puppy in training" who's called O'Neil. Therefore I'm aiming to raise enough money to kick start his training so that he can help make a person with disability lead a better quality of life. 

 

"At Canine Partners our mission is to assist people with disabilities to enjoy a greater independence and a better quality of life and, where possible, to help them into education and employment, through the provision of specially trained dogs for the disabled, whose well-being is a key consideration.

Our Values

Excellence - Respect - Passion - Teamwork - the Personal Touch - Innovation

 

More than 1.2 million people in the UK use a wheelchair, and a significant number of those would benefit from a canine partner.  We tailor make our dogs to each applicant’s individual needs, training them to help with everyday tasks such as opening and shutting doors, unloading the washing machine, picking up dropped items, pressing buttons and switches and getting help in an emergency.  We train dogs for the disabled with even the most complex conditions including members of HM Armed Forces.

 

These life transforming dogs also provide practical, physiological, psychological and social benefits including increased independence and confidence as well as increased motivation and self-esteem.  A canine partner also brings companionship, a sense of security and increases social interaction.

Canine Partners receives no government funding and relies solely on public donations. Although based in West Sussex, we cover all mainland UK, with Puppywalking Satellites and support groups in various regions - we hope to set up a second Training Centre in the Midlands before long."