Community heroes raise £50,000 for Canine Partners
Posted 1 week ago
We’re celebrating our North Northumberland and Scottish Borders Community Group who has raised a milestone £50,000 for Canine Partners!

In 2013, Susan Fulton, who now leads group, was matched with her canine partner Esther, a beautiful apricot Poodle with a flair for the spotlight.
“She was so striking that people would stop me and ask about her all the time,” Susan recalls with a smile.
Eager to share more about the charity behind her life-changing partnership, Susan reached out to Canine Partners and became a volunteer speaker. She began giving talks wherever she could, including churches, Women’s Institute meetings, schools, colleges, rural groups, and even at the RVI in Newcastle.
Susan continued to volunteer alone in her local community until 2018, when Marjorie Johnston, a former Canine Partner’s Puppy Training Volunteer, moved to the area. After meeting Susan, Marjorie stepped up to lead what would become the North Northumberland and Scottish Borders Community Group.
Their official launch took place at a welcome event at Newton Hall in Newton-by-the-Sea, marking the beginning of an incredible journey. Among the attendees were James Babbington-Smith and his canine partner, Spud, and Alison Kingston.
Together, the foursome laid the groundwork for the group, which saw more volunteers join, some full-time and others helping at events when they could, but all equally dedicated to making a real difference. Building on Susan’s work giving talks, they have gone above and beyond everyone’s expectations, holding a whole host of events over the years, across the region and in iconic locations such as Bamburgh Castle and the Alnwick Gardens!
“£50,000 is so much more than we ever expected to raise, and we are so grateful. This wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of places like Mayfield Garden Centre in Kelso and Alnwick Gardens, who allow us to host events, the Alnwick Rotary, who kindly donated £7,500, which was matched by The Big Give to reach £15,000, and Dunstanburgh Golf Club for selecting us as the President’s chosen charity,” Susan explains. “And, of course, thanks to everyone who has supported us, large or small, we’re so proud to represent Canine Partners.”
What does the future hold for the North Northumberland and Scottish Borders Community Group? A lot! The group have events lined up right until the end of the year and are already busy planning a fun-filled 2026. They always love to welcome new volunteers into the group.
Their dedication has not only raised vital funds but also increased awareness of Canine Partners across Northumberland and the Scottish Borders, and we can’t thank them enough!
“Our aim is to raise awareness and money to help provide a life-changing Canine Partner for the next person living with disabilities, while having fun together”.
Susan Fulton, North Northumberland and Scottish Borders Community Group Lead
“We’re so proud of everything this group has achieved. They show that a team of passionate volunteers, no matter the size, can make a huge difference. We’d love to see more people getting involved – whether that’s helping at events, joining a group, or starting a new one. Together, we can transform more lives.”
Sarah McKean, Scotland Community Engagement Officer, Canine Partners
Feeling inspired? Find out how you can join or support a community group