To remember my wonderful mum (that's us in the photo, enjoying an ice cream!), I'm walking 35 miles in a single day this March for Canine Partners.

Mum, who we lost a year ago last month, was an occupational therapist for many years. She provided practical advice and support that helped people regain their independence, dignity, and hope. It was a job she loved; she often said she felt like a fairy godmother.

Her work shares so much with what Canine Partners does. They breed, train, and provide amazing assistance dogs for people with physical disabilities. These dogs help with everyday tasks, bringing greater independence and a better quality of life to their partners. And the charity works closely with occupational therapists, just like Mum.

Mum also lived with a lifelong physical disability herself. Being a big dog lover, she even trained our family cocker spaniel, Misty, to help with chores like emptying the washing machine. Misty, with her 'selective hearing,' would happily help Mum but mostly ignored the rest of us!

It's still hard to accept that Mum's gone, that I won't speak to her again. But I find comfort in thinking about her legacy. In all the lives she changed as an occupational therapist, for one.

But she also lives on in my son, born just a month after we lost her. Mum's life and work inspired me to try to be a better person (very much a work in progress!), and I hope my son grows up wanting to help others too, continuing her legacy.

I want my son to live in a world where charities like Canine Partners exist, and where kind people like you donate to make a real difference. So please, give what you can to support this incredible cause.

With a 10-month-old baby, I haven't had a chance to train for my 35-mile hike, so I'm going to need all the support and encouragement I can get!

About Canine Partners

Our amazing dogs bring a greater independence and quality of life to their partners, offering security, companionship, and practical help with everyday household tasks. They are trained to help with everyday tasks such as opening and closing doors, unloading the washing machine, picking up dropped items, pressing buttons and switches and fetching help in an emergency. Our life-transforming dogs also provide psychological and social benefits including increased independence, confidence, social interaction and self-esteem.