Categories: Challenges

Challenges

Coastway Vets raise £2,938 with 27-mile walk for Canine Partners

We want to say a huge thank you and well done to the team at Coastway Vets, from Sussex, who have raised a phenomenal £2,938 for Canine Partners with a sponsored walk.

The team challenged themselves to a 27-mile walk, which took 10 hours to complete, starting and finishing their walk in the dark.

Jay Lisher, Veterinary nurse at Coastway Vets said: “We are blown away with how generous everyone has been and we want to say a huge thank you to the clients, colleagues, friends, and family who supported us and helped us raise such a great amount for a very worthy charity. Canine Partners is such an amazing charity to support and it meant so much to the team how much the community got involved”.

This generous donation will help us to continue the creation of life transforming partnerships, now and in the future.

Could you take on a challenge to help us raise money to continue our life-changing work? To find out more please visit: caninepartners.org.uk/challenges

Wing walking at 84: Belinda’s fundraising story

84-year-old Belinda lives in Bedfordshire and is doing a wing walk to raise funds for Canine Partners. This is her story:

My husband David passed away last year after a long struggle with multiple disabling illnesses. His life was made easier and more fulfilling thanks to his canine partner, Crunchie – a wonderful Labradoodle with a big personality, who was specifically trained to assist with everyday activities.

David and Crunchie were inseparable, but sadly, Crunchie became ill in 2022 and had to be put to sleep. Losing his loyal helper and friend was a devastating blow for David, and a light went out in all our lives.

After David’s passing, I knew I wanted to do something to honour his memory and support the charity that had brought so much joy and independence to our lives.

I’ve seen firsthand how these amazing dogs can transform lives. That’s why, on 3 May*, which would have been David’s birthday, I’m going to do a Wing Walk at Old Warden near Bedford to raise money for Canine Partners.

I know it sounds like a crazy idea, especially at the age of 84, but I’m determined to take on this challenge to support a cause that means so much to me.

Ten years ago, I did a Sky Dive to raise money for Canine Partners, and I’m hoping that this new challenge will be just as successful in raising funds and awareness for this wonderful organisation.

I’ve set myself a target of £5,000 – whether you can donate a little or a lot, every penny counts.

Your generosity will help Canine Partners continue their vital work and provide more assistance dogs to people like David, who need them most. I’m grateful for your support and for helping me honour David’s memory in such a meaningful way.

*Belinda’s wing walk has been postponed to 2 August due to bad weather conditions.

To sponsor Belinda, please visit: www.justgiving.com/page/belinda-day-1707325792822

 

 

Running the London Marathon: Debbie’s fundraising story

58-year-old Debbie, who lives in Warwickshire, is running the London Marathon to raise vital funds for Canine Partners. This is her story:

 

“It was several years ago, when I attended a social group, that I first heard about Canine Partners. A lady who attended the group was a Puppy Parent volunteer for the charity and would bring the puppy to the group.  At the time, we had our own dogs, but I thought it was a lovely thing to do.

“A few years later, my husband retired, and we had sadly lost our dogs.  The house felt empty, so we initially thought of adopting an older dog, but then we remembered about Canine Partners. We did our research and saw what a difference a dog could make to the life of a person living with a disability. We contacted Canine Partners, and within a few weeks, our first puppy arrived – we have been Puppy Parent volunteers ever since!

“My goal is just to enjoy the atmosphere in London, so I’ve put no pressure on myself for a finish time – I’m not a runner, just passionate about this amazing charity! I’m following a training plan involving running four times a week.

“Me and my husband David ran the London Virtual Marathon in October 2021, raising £1000 for Canine Partners. This time, I have a fundraising target of £2000, which is currently at £1270.”

To sponsor Debbie, please visit: www.justgiving.com/page/debbie-de-ville-1686659675949

 

 

Could you fundraise for Canine Partners? To find out more and get inspiration for your next challenge, please visit caninepartners.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising

 

Abseiling down the Spinnaker Tower: Lorraine’s fundraising story

Abseiling down the Spinnaker Tower: Lorraine’s fundraising story

65-year-old Lorraine, who lives in Fareham, abseiled 100m down the Spinnaker Tower to raise vital funds for Canine Partners. This is her story:

“It all started when we tragically lost our beloved eldest son, Michael, to a spinal injury. While Michael was fighting for his life in hospital, his wonderful friends set up a Just Giving page for him that raised more than £30,000.

“After the unthinkable happened and he passed away, we had to decide where the money raised would go. We split it between three charities: two of which were close to Michael’s heart and the third being Canine Partners.

“After reading about the amazing work of the Canine Partners, I was staggered by the huge difference that a canine partner assistance dog can make to the life of a disabled person. Had Michael lived, he may well have eventually benefited from one of these incredible dogs.

“In 2018, I was delighted to visit the Southern Training Centre to see how the dogs are trained and we were honoured to have a puppy called Monti sponsored in Michael’s name.

“This year, Michael and I would have reached a combined age of 100 – him 35 and me 65. I wanted to mark the occasion by doing something outrageous (outrageous for me, anyway!) for charity. My friend suggested abseiling down the Spinnaker Tower, but she didn’t let me do it alone. Another close friend joined us, and we each raised money for our charities of choice.

“You asked about training – well, there wasn’t any until we were hanging off the side of the tower! That’s probably deliberate because it’s too late to back out by then! Luckily, the weather was fabulous, so we didn’t have to battle with wind or rain. We all managed to get to the bottom and, although it was undeniably scary at times, we thoroughly enjoyed the challenge.

“I started my fundraising with a target of £1000, which quickly raised to £1300. The fund currently stands at more than £2000! It has been an absolute pleasure to support this wonderful charity.”

 

Could you fundraise for Canine Partners? To find out more and get inspiration for your next challenge, please visit caninepartners.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising

High Five to a 2022 Marathon!

Initially I got a place for the London Marathon in 2021, but I tore my calf muscle and had to defer. In the end though this led to me running for Canine Partners; me and my boyfriend became ‘puppy parents’ earlier this year after I chatted to the lovely ladies at a Canine Partners stand at Dogfest in Guildford. I didn’t realise how much it took to raise an assistance dog, so thought I’d use my ballot place and fundraise for a charity which has quickly become a large part of my life.

Training hadn’t gone as I had hoped. For one reason and another, this year has been tough on my physical and mental health, but I got a place in the ballot for the London Marathon the first time of trying, and I wasn’t going to give that up in a hurry! With train strikes the day before the marathon threatening chaos, I went up early and stayed with my cousin who thoughtfully moved back to the UK from Australia just a couple of months ago and chose to live 20 minutes walk from the marathon start (thanks Mel!).

On Sunday morning I think I must have had the quietest walk of any participant, up side streets (not the main routes from the station) until I turned a corner to see thousands of people all nervous and excited, ready to get going! Once I’d dropped off my bag, I was ready to go and join my wave – I was setting off in the final wave of the day (I’m not fast!).

Before I knew it we were off. The first few miles were a blur; so many people, supporters cheering, dogs to high five along the way! My cousin met me at the 5 mile marker to cheer me on, and I was still feeling fresh. Running around Cutty Sark in the sunshine was a definite highlight of the first half of the route.

The biggest highlight of the day, even for a slower runner, are the crowds over Tower Bridge. It’s the epicentre of the charity support on the route and the roar of everyone shouting your name and encouraging you brought me to tears (something that has never happened in an event before!).

At 18 miles my cousin met me again – this time with mini cheddars which were a godsend, as I’d been surviving on sweet stuff and was fed up with it by this stage. A quick snack break later and I had to get moving again before I stiffened up.

Before I knew it 20 miles were done, and there were only 6 to go! They were slow, painful miles, but coming down the embankment there was such great relief and emotion in knowing that this was it – I was going to finish it no matter what!

Turning into the finish straight I picked up whatever pace I had left and ran as if I hadn’t just done a marathon! I high fived everyone sitting in the hospitality area, ducked under that finish line, and got my well earned medal.

I managed to raise enough for 2 starter puppy packs, which is double what I set out to raise so I’m incredibly touched by the generosity of those who sponsored me. As Canine Partners is a small charity, I hope that if anyone reading this gets a ballot place in the London Marathon they would consider fundraising for such a wonderful organisation.

Just to top it all off – my boyfriend has got a place in the 2023 London Marathon through the ballot and will also be fundraising for Canine Partners! Now just to persuade him to dress up as one of the pups….

 

Could you fundraise for Canine Partners? To find out more and get inspiration for your next adventure, please visit caninepartners.org.uk/take-on-a-challenge

 

Purina employees raise funds for Canine Partners by walking the Seven Sisters!

Our long standing corporate supporter, Purina, not only funds our work and offers discounted food for our dogs, its employees also help out at our events and even take on challenging fundraising activities for us – all because they believe passionately in the amazing support our dogs provide.

Recently a team of 23 employees from Purina undertook the Seven Sisters Challenge, a grueling walk from Seaford to Eastbourne over 24km and 200 flights of stairs. Through determination, courage and team work they completed this tough challenge, raising an incredible £1,838 for Canine Partners.

David Watson, Corporate Relationship Manager of Canine Partners said: “Purina is the perfect example of a corporate partner whose employees have seen first-hand our vital work, which has motivated them to do their own brilliant fundraising challenges to support us. Their latest efforts on the Seven Sisters Challenge are truly inspiring – I’m sure it was definitely no walk in the park!! Every single one of their employees who completed this 24km walk contributed to the raising of an incredible £1,838, which will help us to continue the training of assistance dogs for disabled adults – Thank you Team Purina – I hope you’re all as proud of your achievement as we are to have your support!”

 

Could your company fundraise for Canine Partners? To find out more and get inspiration for your next adventure, please visit caninepartners.org.uk/take-on-a-challenge

 

One man and his motorcycle – Gary’s fundraising story

A 54 year old criminal defence lawyer, Gary had always been interested in taking on the ‘Iron Butt UK’ challenge, a motorcycle ride that visits all four corners of the United Kingdom in 36 hours. Gary often rides long distances and wanted to add an extra dimension to his challenge, so decided to fundraise in memory of his own dog Sampson.

Gary was inspired by seeing the bond his mother has with her dog, Jake, and the joy he brings her and he knows our partnerships have that same special relationship. “I was greatly moved by the bond I could see between the Canine Partners assistance dogs and their partners. It’s a wonderful, special bond. I just had to get involved and help.”

Read Gary’s story:

As well as the main challenge, I set myself a personal target to cover 1,000 miles in 24 hours.  And at the 24-hour point, I had completed 1,236 miles. I was really pleased and whilst I didn’t need to do any additional training for the challenge as I ride long distances all the time, I did need to prepare myself mentally. Riding a motorbike on your own through the night, almost non-stop for 36 hours, is tougher than it sounds!

On the road

The most difficult leg of my trip was from Lowestoft to Land’s End, which took nine hours. I had to keep my mind sharp as it was pitch black, there were no motorways for the second half of the leg, unlit roads, and all kinds of hazards. Riding across Bodmin Moor at 3:30 in the morning, through the mist under a huge full moon is a sight that will be forever be etched in my memory. I kept telling myself it’s all for the doggies!

Vital fundraising

When I set up my JustGiving page, I was hoping to raise £500. The donations kept coming and I started to hope that I could reach £1,000 and they continued until I had raised a total of £1,974 and a friend kindly donated to get me to £2,000. It didn’t stop there and my final fundraising total, with Gift Aid, reached almost £2,500. I was astounded and incredibly emotional that people were so generous, particularly during a very difficult time for all of us.

Amazing achievement

I’ve been riding bikes for 37 years and this challenge was the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. However it was much physically tougher than I had expected it to be. I completed the challenge in 33 hours and 22 minutes, so I even had time to spare! I’m very proud of that.

Could you fundraise for Canine Partners, like Gary? To find out more and get inspiration for your next adventure, please visit caninepartners.org.uk/take-on-a-challenge.

A team challenge – Rob’s fundraising story

His team at Boots have always had great success in raising money for charity and when it came to Rob’s turn to nominate a charity, naturally, he chose to support Canine Partners. He inspired his colleagues Aileen, Muriel, Jen, Jilly, Emma, Lauren, Ryan, Graham and Cheryl to take on a month long challenge to raise vital funds to support our work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspiring the team

“I have worked for the charity for many years and I have seen the impact our amazing dogs make to our partners in Scotland, I wanted to share that with my team at Boots and they were keen to support.”

Three million steps

The team set a challenge, collectively, to walk three million steps over a period of one month. This equates to walking the whole of the length of the British Isles and beyond!  Having had a lot of fun getting their families involved, including their much-loved four-legged friends, the whole team remarked how much better they felt after completing the challenge. Having increased their daily steps they felt better, both physically and mentally.  And they raised a brilliant £290, which Boots kindly match-funded.

Could you inspire your team to get involved in a challenge?

To find out how you can create life-changing partnerships for people living with physical disabilities please visit: caninepartners.org.uk/fundraising

Meet Amy Martin – Virtual London Marathon Runner 2021

Amy, from Shropshire undertook part the Virtual London Marathon in 2021 to raise funds for Canine Partners, as she saw the amazing impact Canine Partner Questa had on her mum, Hazel’s life.

Canine Partner Questa, who sadly passed away earlier this year, changed Hazel’s life with the physical and emotional support that she offered, helping with everyday tasks and giving Hazel the independence she needed to live her life to full.

“I was amazed when I got the call from Canine Partners to say that I had got a place in the Virtual London Marathon. I was so nervous, as I have never ran before and was worried that I wouldn’t be up to the challenge.

“However seeing my mum with her canine partner Questa gave me all the motivation I needed! Questa was a life saver for my mum giving her the confidence to go out and be independent.

“I wanted to give someone else the chance of having their lives changed like Mum’s was. I began to run the couch to 5k in January and gradually built up the miles over the 10 months to the marathon. Each time I felt like I couldn’t do it I pictured Questa and it gave me the determination to keep going.

“My Mum and I raised money by asking friends, family and people at work to donate. We also organised a village litter pick, a BBQ auction day, a fun village dog show and a tombola. I was hoping to raise about £500 but we managed to raise an incredible £2439.

“I was so excited on marathon day but also worried in case I let Canine Partners down by not finishing. People were brilliant on the day, cheering me on and encouraging me and every 5 miles I got to run past mum and Questa at my motivation station which kept me going.

“As I crossed the finish line I felt so proud of what I had achieved and felt so much more fitter and healthier than I did in January. I had even lost 2 stone!

“What made it even better was receiving the congratulations and thank-you letter from Gemma at Canine Partners telling me that the money raised was helping to train a Canine Partner for someone- that made me feel so delighted and proud of what I had achieved!”

Do you think you could take on this world famous challenge of running the Virtual London Marathon in your local area and raise funds and help us build our future and create more incredible partnerships like Hazel and Questa?

Sign-up today at caninepartners.org.uk/event/virtuallondonmarathon2022

#FitFor30Challenge – Mark’s fundraising story

Mark is walking 30 widths of his six metre lounge a week until the end of March to raise vital funds for Canine Partners.

36-year-old Mark is a full-time wheelchair user and uses a walking frame for exercise therapy. He has been inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore’s fundraising efforts for the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic and is aiming to raise over £1,000 for the Canine Partners, as he is on the waiting list for one of the charity’s amazing assistance dogs.

My #FitFor30Challenge

“I’ve applied for a canine partner myself and I know fundraising has been difficult due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I wanted to raise money for the charity as I am passionate about disabled people being as independent as possible. I didn’t originally set a fundraising goal for my challenge, I was just hoping for a couple of hundred pounds. I am very shocked by the support but also very pleased with the money I’ve raised for Canine Partners.” said Mark.

Take part in the challenge

Mark is doing his challenge as part of Canine Partner’s Fit for 30 Challenge, where challengers think of any physical or mental wellbeing challenged based around the number 30 that suits their skills.

“I was inspired by Captain Tom as I use a walking frame for exercise therapy but I didn’t train for the challenge. I just doubled what I normally do in a week and decided to tie it in to the Fit for 30 Challenge.” said Mark.

 

Could you take on the Fit for 30 Challenge like Mark and raise vital funds for Canine Partners? Find out more here.