Categories: A big thank you

A big thank you

4th Melton Mowbray Darwin Beaver Scouts Group stays silent to raise vital funds

Keeping quiet is a hard task for a group of children, but the 4th Melton Mowbray Darwin Beaver Scouts Group stayed silent for the evening while raising vital funds to transform the lives of people with disabilities.

The Beaver Scouts Group held a ‘silent games night’ after being inspired by demo team, Pauline and demo dog Blythe, who gave them a talk and a demonstration on 6 November last year.

On 23 April, the Beaver Scouts Group held their ‘silent games night’ during one of their meetings, where each beaver scout was sponsored for how many of the nine games they played in silence.

The games included Floor Dodge Ball, Beans Game and challenges such as seeing how many balls they could carry and how many cups they could stack.

Of course, it was the quietest meeting the Group Scout Leader and section leaders had ever experienced, there wasn’t even any laughter!

The evening was a great success and everyone was eager to get home to collect their sponsorship money, which Blythe was invited back to collect three weeks later. They raised an amazing £434.20 – what an achievement!

A huge thank you to the 4th Melton Mowbray Darwin Beaver Scouts Group for taking on this amazing challenge to raise much-needed funds and of course a thank you to those who sponsored the children to stay silent!

The South Downs Way Challenge – Martyn’s Fundraising Story

Walking over 100 miles across to span the whole of the South Downs Way National Trails route, Martyn Aguss has managed to raise close to £6,000 to transform the lives of people with disabilities.

After visiting our Southern Training Centre in April of this year, Martyn was inspired by seeing the tasks that our amazing dogs can do and decided he wanted to help fundraise for us. He decided to take on a 100-mile walk across 4 days (around 25 miles per day).

Martyn did plenty of training for this walk of course, and even involved his own dog Molly…although 25 miles would be a bit much for her!

He began his walk at Winchester Cathedral on a sunny morning, ending day one at Butser Hill having covered 22 miles. He was joined by his son Michael on day 2 as they travelled on to Amberley. The beautiful scenery and lovely weather kept the two going for 27 miles.

Day 3 was the biggest challenge for Martyn, as he covered 29 miles in strong winds at the top of the Downs on his own – this was a much more physical day but the “green and pleasant” land kept him going!

It wasn’t about to get much easier for day 4 – but at least he had the company of friend Kate as they walked another 25 miles which included climbing the hills of the Seven Sisters and the final ascent at Beachy Head. The final day totalled up to 10 hours of walking…phew!

A huge thank you to Martyn for taking on this amazing challenge to raise much-needed funds and of course to all of the sponsors who pledged to his JustGiving campaign. If you’d like to donate to Martyn’s fundraising, visit his JustGiving page here.

Looking to take on your own challenge to raise vital funds?

Click here to find out how you can take on a challenge for Canine Partners.

The Martinshaw Wood Big Bluebell Walk raises over £450!

On Sunday 13 May, supporters descended upon Martinshaw Wood in Ratby, Leicestershire to enjoy a sunny walk amongst the bluebells all while raising vital funds to transform lives.

After some rain the night before, the sun shone brightly for the Big Bluebell Walk which was held with kind permission from the Woodland Trust.

45 people and 17 very well-behaved dogs strolled through the bluebells on a choice of two routes, taking in the beautiful scenery and enjoying the weather. In attendance were five puppies in training and their puppy parents, as well as Kate Cross, her husband Stuart and her canine partner May.

As well as a lovely walk through Martinshaw Wood, the event also included a raffle and refreshments to enjoy.

With registration, merchandise sales, the raffle and kind donations on the day, the total raised was a fantastic £459! A huge thank you to everyone who contributed towards this great result.

The event was organised by Kathleen Hodkinson who said:

“Family, friends and the Canine Partners family helped to make this event go really smoothly. I also really appreciated friends and the local businesses who kindly offered raffle prizes and snacks.

Most walkers were pleased that the paths had dried out after the recent rain, but one young lad happily sought out all of the muddy parts!”

A big thank you is also due to Groby & Field Head Spotlight and Your Local magazines for their support in promoting the event locally.

Organise your own Big Bluebell Walk or dog walk event

By organising your own Big Bluebell Walk or dog walking event, you can help us to raise even more funds to train amazing assistance dogs. Click here to find out how you can organise your own fundraising event.

Gallery

Here are a few photos from the event – thank you to Stuart Williams for these fantastic snapshots of the day!

 

The Arlington Big Bluebell Walk raises over £4,000!

On Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 April, The Big Arlington Bluebell Walk took place at the Arlington Bluebell Walk & Farm Trail in East Sussex. This Bluebell Walk takes place every year as part of our Big Bluebell Walks and has always proved popular!

This year we had a total of 2,124 visitors through the gate over the weekend, keeping the hardworking team of volunteers on their toes. With delicious cake, hot drinks and soup (perfect for the slightly chilly Sunday!), guests were kept well nourished and an incredible £4,023.52 was raised to help transform the lives of people with disabilities.

This is enough to purchase five amazing puppies to join our training programme – with funds to spare!

A huge thank you is due to all of the volunteers who were on hand over the weekend, and the cake bakers who provided delicious treats for all of our guests.

This event always takes an immense amount of hard work and organisation to make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible.

Organise your own Big Bluebell Walk or dog walk event

Would you like to help us raise even more funds to train more amazing assistance dogs? Why not organise your own Big Bluebell Walk or dog walking event in aid of Canine Partners? Find out more about organising your own fundraising event.

Gallery

Here are just a few of the photos from the event. Thank you to puppy parent Rachel for the fantastic snaps!

 

 

 

A 5,500 mile coastal walk raises money to transform lives – Ian Chatfield’s fundraising story

Ian Chatfield is in the middle of taking on an incredible challenge – he is walking approximately 5,500 miles along the coast of England and Wales.

Fundraising in aid of Canine Partners after fostering assistance dogs for approximately four years, Ian is taking on the challenge once a month and walking in 40-50 mile sections for three days at a time.

“I have only recently become aware of just how much it requires to keep the organisation going,” said Ian.
“My challenge will allow me to raise awareness of the work of Canine Partners which might in itself lead to more awareness, financial contributions, puppy parents and fosterers.”

When Ian gave up work four years ago, he wanted to set himself mental and physical challenges. Before taking on his current challenge, Ian travelled from Land’s End to John O’Groats using only local buses and ferries around the circumference of Great Britain.

With no training plan and plenty of plasters for sore feet, Ian plans to walk as long as his feet will carry him. His fundraising was spurred on by people along the way asking if Ian was getting sponsored for a charity, which then inspired him to sponsor himself in aid of Canine Partners.

“I won’t stop when I get to Hadrian’s Wall I’ll keep going,” says Ian.
“But it’s a very long way around the coast of Scotland and it’s challenging!”

For others wanting to take on a physical challenge, Ian says it’s best to start with a target in mind.

“Start within your capabilities,” said Ian.
“Then let the challenge grow as you become more confident.”

Ian has pledged to donate 10p per mile he walks, with the next stage in April starting in Cockerham, Lancaster and finishing in Arnside, Cumbria. In the future Ian would like to challenge himself to walk the London tube lines on the surface, which is approximately 250 miles.

Looking to take on your own challenge to raise vital funds?

Click here to find out how you can take on a challenge for Canine Partners.

Fore! Swinley Forest Charity Golf Day raises over £30,000

Our first Charity Golf Day at Swinley Forest Golf Club was a huge success, with the exclusive event raising over £30,000 for Canine Partners.

After indulging in a bacon roll or two for breakfast, the golfers set off on their round of golf. With a shot gun start at 9am, the 20 teams of four begun to make their way around the beautiful 18-hole course.

Before starting, players picked up score cards and goody bags in reception, where they also had the chance to purchase ‘mulligans’, giving them a chance to replay a shot.

At the 1st and 10th tee, players were able to grab a refreshing glass of bucks fizz and a delicious sausage while they chatted to partners and volunteers. Meet and greet dogs, Jamie and Warwick, along with canine partner, Tia, also had the opportunity to sit in a golf cart to pose for a few photographs!

There were a few competitions placed around the course, with the ‘straightest drive’ on the 5th hole, ‘closest to the pin’ on the 17th hole and ‘longest drive’ on the 18th hole. After seeing the brightly coloured trousers of one team, we think we should have had a ‘best dressed’ competition too! The stylish attire certainly grabbed attention. In fact, meet and greet dog, Jenson, couldn’t wait to pose for a photograph with the team.

Once the round of golf had finished and the players had freshened up, a delicious carvery lunch was served. Canine Partners’ CEO, Nicola Martin, said a few words, thanking Swinley Forest Golf Club and the event’s sponsors. Nicola also announced that the event had raised enough money to fund a whole partnership, which will begin with naming a new puppy ‘Swinley’.

The Super Raffle was drawn during lunch, followed by a snap auction hosted by Tom Tyrwhitt-Drake. The auction included prizes such as a round of golf for four at New Zealand Golf Club, a signed Chelsea football team shirt, a long weekend in Budapest and a Magnum of Chateau Trotanoy 1975.

We would like to thank each of the following sponsors for helping to make this event a huge success:

  • All England Lawn Tennis Club
  • Brody House
  • Gordon Campbell-Gray
  • New Zealand Golf Club
  • Next
  • Nurture Landscapes
  • Purina
  • Reeves Butchers
  • Strutt & Parker
  • Tidworth Polo Club
  • The Ellis Campbell Foundation

…and of course, a massive thank you to Swinley Forest Golf Club for hosting the event at their beautiful golf course!

Watch a video of the day below

Take part in a fundraising event

Click here to see what fundraising events are going on in your area.

Swinley Forest Charity Golf Day Gallery

A Marathon of a challenge – Chris Taylor’s Fundraising Story

Chris Taylor is putting his love of running to the test, taking on three half marathons and one full marathon to raise money for Canine Partners.

In the past, Chris has completed other running challenges for various charitable causes. After reading about Canine Partners, he realised the importance of fundraising for the charity.

“I was blown away and I think it’s brilliant what Canine Partners and the dogs do,” said Chris.
“So many people would feel so different without this and I feel it is very important that people raise funds.”

After not running for a while, Chris’ fundraising efforts have been spurred on by wanting to get back into his old running routines. When he feels a lack of motivation, he remembers the people whose lives are transformed with the help of a Canine Partners dog.

“Motivation is the hardest thing,” said Chris. “When I read about the things that people have gone through it makes me realise that anyone can do anything if they have the guidance and help of beautiful people.”

Chris has already taken part in the Loughborough half marathon, which he completed in two hours and six minutes. The Leeds and Derby half marathons are next on the calendar, where Chris is determined to beat his personal best of one hour and 52 minutes.

The biggest challenge for Chris will be the Leicester Marathon in October, with a target of completing it in just over four hours.

“As if 25 miles of undulating, rolling hills and country side then a twisty-turny route through the city centre wasn’t enough they then make you run up New Walk for mile 26, which is the steepest hill ever,” said Chris.

Chris finds running quite therapeutic ‘despite the pain and loss of toenails’, so after completing the Leicester Marathon he then plans to sign up for a ‘recovery race’!

How to support Chris on his amazing challenge

Want to sponsor Chris? Visit his JustGiving page or text CTCP 85 to 70070 to donate £5 to Canine Partners.

Looking to take on your own marathon challenge to raise vital funds?

Chris says the key is in the training:
“I left a large four month long gap between Derby and Leicester to prepare physically and mentally for 26 miles. What I usually do when preparing for a half marathon is run two 8-10 miles a week and then a 15 mile run once every couple of weeks. Preparing for a full marathon is very different because the training runs have to be longer.”

If you want to take on a challenge to raise vital funds for Canine Partners, find out more here.

Coffee, Cakes & Canines – Emma raises over £500 at a Cake and Coffee Morning

On Saturday 7th April, Emma Cotterill hosted a Cake and Coffee morning at The Red House in Albrighton, Wolverhampton, to raise much needed funds to train more amazing dogs so that we can continue to work towards re-opening our applications list which has been closed since January 2017.

The event featured delicious cakes and hot drinks for sale, a guess the weight of the cake competition and a second hand book sale. There was also a raffle with fab prizes donated by local businesses to be won.

Guests were also treated to a demonstration of the tasks a canine partner can do to assist people with disabilities. Demo dog Bramble showed how she can retrieve a phone, pick up dropped items such as a wallet or keys as well as displaying how a canine partner can open doors or turn on light switches.

The event raised a fantastic total of £582.80, all thanks to Emma’s hard work in promoting and hosting the event. A big thank you is also due the community of Albrighton, and friends and family members who attended despite heavy rain!

Events like these are crucial in our fundraising efforts. Without the kindness and effort of fundraisers like Emma, we would not be able to train our amazing life changing dogs.

A canine partner costs £20,000 each, which covers all of their training and aftercare until the dog retires. We receive no government funding and so we rely on donations to carry on with our mission to transform the lives of people with disabilities.

If you would like to help us take one step closer to being able to reopen our applications list, please do consider hosting an event like Emma has to raise vital funds.

You can find inspiration to organise your own fundraising activity here.

Cycling, Cake & So Much More – Tresco and Bryher Base Five Island School’s Fundraising Story

The students, staff and parents of Tresco and Bryher School, a remote island school with just 18 students aged 4-11 and based 30 miles off of the Cornwall coast, have been very busy doing some incredible fundraising to help us in our mission to transform the lives of people with disabilities!

It all started on Friday 9 March with a cake sale held at the school, with delicious cakes on offer to pupils and staff. There’s no tastier way to raise funds! To celebrate their hard work, the school also hosted a film night with tuck shop sale profits being added to the donations. Popcorn was flowing and a lot of fun was had!

Thoughtfully, the students didn’t want their four-legged friends to miss out on the treats, so in an effort to raise even more funds, they baked some healthy homemade dog snacks to sell to dog owners across the Isles of Scilly.

But that’s not all – the parents have also been mucking in too. One parent sold daffodils outside of their home, and a crafty activity of making adorable dogs out of shells had both parents and students getting creative!

In addition to this, one parent created an incredible Canine Partners cake to be raffled along with a hamper and even more cakes baked by Beck Lock cakes that went up for auction. The auction raised an amazing £130 alone!

Now on to the main event!

On Tuesday 20 March, 18 of the primary school’s students took on a 9-mile sponsored cycle around Tresco Island, gaining the attention of the local press with some very impressive coverage in the local paper and on the ITV West Country News! Their hard work and training during play and lunch times really paid off, helping to raise our profile and funds for their efforts.

Watch the ITV Westcountry News clip below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7CbWOM2BqY

The fun wasn’t over there though – as an Easter Tea Party was held by the parents and children from Bryher on Wednesday 4 April. The children served tea and cake to all who attended. Over £400 was raised at the event taking their grand total to over £2,000!

A huge thank you from everyone at Canine Partners for the hard work and dedication of all the pupils, parents and staff! With a population of just 90 people on the island where the school is based, over £2,000 raised is a truly amazing achievement.

Click here if you would like to find out more and donate directly to the the Tresco and Bryher School’s Justgiving Campaign 

Check out the slideshow below for a selection of photos.

 

 

A talk and demonstration at Chignal House raises over £500 to transform lives

On Wednesday 7 March Team Flower, made up of partnership Steph and Wisteria as well as demo dog handler John and his demo dog Merlin, visited the residents at Chignal House in Rayleigh, Essex to deliver a talk and demonstration of the amazing things our dogs can do to support people like Steph. Steph has a degenerative condition which requires her to use a wheelchair.

The talk began with some anecdotes from Steph and John, sharing how assistance dogs have had a significantly positive impact on their lives – from Steph’s first canine partner Frodo, her first successor dog Elmo and her current canine partner Wisteria.

Next up, Merlin an John went through the basic tasks a canine partner will learn – touch, tug and retrieve. Merlin also demonstrated how a canine partner can push buttons, pull light switches and pick up dropped items such as keys or a wallet. He then wowed the crowd by taking off John’s gloves, unzipping and removing his jacket as well as undoing his shoelaces and taking his shoes and socks off. As is Merlin’s usual style, he finished it all with a bow!

After the talk and demo, the team stuck around to do a meet and greet, answer any questions and support the table sale taking place to fundraise for us.

The audience was made up of residents from Chignal House whom were joined by Chris Silver, the Neighbourhood Partnership Manager of Sanctuary Housing who look after the residential block, along with a few of the regional staff as well. Everyone was really impressed with the demonstration and the work that we do to support people with disabilities.

Following on from the talk and demonstration, the residents were able to raise an incredible total of £500 from a raffle and the table sale. An amazing figure for such a small group! Special thanks goes to Patricia Davies who was responsible for organising the fantastic fundraising.

Want to find out more about our work?

Our network of amazing volunteer speakers deliver talks and demonstrations across England and Scotland. Find out more and book a talk for your group here.