On your bike. Transform a life.
Posted 6 years ago in the Challenges, Volunteers and fundraisers categories
Spokes will be spinning and pedals will be turning as Pedal For Paws returns for another year! And this year in the Midlands too.
Join the fun at Pedal For Paws Midlands on Sunday 23 September or at Pedal For Paws South on Sunday 30 September. Both events include a choice of two routes, which are adapted to suit all abilities from beginners to experienced riders.
This is the first time the event has taken place in the midlands, after successful Pedal For Paws events in the south for two years in a row.
Dozens of participants are expected to take part in the event, which Julie Graham took part in two years ago.
“I decided to take part in Canine Partners’ Pedal For Paws cycle because it’s a fantastic charity to support, the dogs do amazing work and really do change the lives of the people they are partnered with,” says Julie Graham, who took part in Pedal For Paws 2016 in the south.
“Don’t worry if you’ve not done any training as there is a shorter route and a longer route, so take whichever one you fancy and just give it a go!”
The event aims to raise vital funds to help us train more amazing assistance dogs. Kerenza Holzman with canine partner Whisky knows first-hand how life-transforming our dogs can be.
Kerenza Holzman, who lives near the charity’s Southern Training Centre in West Sussex, is encouraging people to take part in the event to raise money for the charity that gave her independence back.
After routine surgery left her with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder leading to Myalgic Encephalopathy, Kerenza eventually needed a wheelchair. She was matched with her canine partner Whisky in June 2012.
“I’ve had Whisky for six years and he’s really changed my life as before him I was quite depressed, I didn’t go out a lot and I didn’t work so I spent a lot of time indoors and life was really hard,” says Kerenza.
“I’ve now made new friends, met loads of new people and I feel like I have a life again.”
“I don’t feel like a disabled person who is useless anymore, I feel like I have a purpose and Whisky has given me back my independence,” Kerenza adds.
The fun cycle event includes a feed stop on route, an event village, bike washing facilities and refreshments. The Canine Partners team will be there cheering you on!
Want to take part in Pedal For Paws 2018?
Can you beat last year’s time? Maybe you want to brave one of the longer routes around the stunning South Downs or take on the new Midlands route? Perhaps this is your first year – either way you’ll have a great time!