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.

A Biggles Adventure – Michael and Captain Biggles’ Fundraising Story

Michael Cantan and his dog Captain Biggles are preparing for an incredible challenge – they are taking on a non-stop 116.4 kilometre walk along the South Downs called the 1664 Yomp in memory of Michael’s father ex-Lt Commander Charlie Cantan. Lt Cantan was in the Fleet Air Arm of the British Royal Navy, and fought in the Falklands War. He sadly passed away in June 2016.

Michael is fundraising in aid of the foundation that cared for his father, The Rosemary Foundation, while Captain Biggles is supporting his fellow four-legged pals – our amazing dogs. On Captain Biggles fundraising page, he said:

“I will be doing this for Canine Partners and raising as much money as I can for them! They are the most amazing charity! They take dogs like me and train us to be able to help give independence to our human friends!”

The 1664 Yomp was set up by Robin Hollington, the father of one of Michael’s friends, Royal Marine Richard Hollington. It was created in memory of Richard who tragically died following a significant injury sustained in combat while serving in Afghanistan.

The Yomp will take place from May 26 until May 27, taking roughly 36 hours in total. The pair will be joined by a fellow ex-Royal Marine as well as four ex-SBS (Special Boat Service) members.

Captain Biggles has had the approval from his vet to do the walk, and is used to walking long distances. The pair are also doing plenty of training to get ready for this massive trek!

On the challenge, Michael said:

“I am looking forward to being back out with a team, working together to achieve something amazing. The views will be incredible, and the camaraderie will be great! I will be bringing my father’s ashes with me, and having Biggles with me as well will be fantastic as he is such a good team partner!”

How to support Michael and Captain Biggles on their amazing challenge

Want to donate to Michael and Captain Biggles? Visit Captain Biggles JustGiving to donate to Canine Partners.

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

For anyone else looking to take on a challenge Michael advises:

“Try to make the challenge as difficult as possible in relation to your abilities – when people listen to what you are doing they will appreciate how hard it will be and see your commitment to the fundraising. Therefore, they will want to support you. Demonstrating your reasons for doing it will also help you gain more support”

Find out how you can take on a challenge for Canine Partners

Two cycling pals will be reunited for our Pedal4Paws event!

John Pankhurst and Paul Welsh first met through their love of cycling as teenagers, but now decades later they will be getting back on their bikes for their biggest challenge in nearly 50 years!

The pair will be joining dozens of other keen riders as they peddle across the South Downs for our Pedal 4 Paws cycling event – and they’ve even decided to brave the longer route of 52 miles to commemorate one mile for each year that they have known each other. The pressure is on though, as John hasn’t ridden that far in more than 45 years.

They heard about the challenge through the voluntary work that John and his wife do for the charity as puppy parents to five-month-old black Labrador Zed. They have managed to raise a fantastic £200 already but are hoping to raise even more to train more amazing puppies like Zed to become assistance dogs for adults with physical disabilities.

Retired architectural interior designer John said: “I’m excited about the challenge of completing the ride but apprehensive as there are several large hills along the route and I’ve been told Essex doesn’t have hills, only slight undulations.

“It’s particularly poignant because I’m taking part with Paul. It will bring back memories of when we used to go on cycling club runs together, weekend youth hosteling, training evenings and road, time trial and grass track racing.

“It’s also another great way that we can support Canine Partners.

“It was my partner Sandy that got us involved and the more we see, learn and experience, the more we understand how much these amazing dogs can achieve for people who are less able than us. Fundraising and being a puppy parent for Canine Partners are small ways in which we can give something back to society.

“The challenge has got me back on a bike again and the training for it is supposed to be good for me but I could do with a few less punctures and idiot car, van and lorry drivers.”

Get on your bike. Transform a life.

This year’s event will feature a 29-mile and 52-mile route and it will take place from 8am on October 1.

Advanced tickets cost £20 for adults and £10 for children under 16. Participants are also each asked to raise at least £100 for the charity.

For more information or to sign up call event coordinator, Helen Watkinson on 01530 225939, email helenw@caninepartners.org.uk or visit caninepartners.org.uk/pedal4paws.

To help John and Paul with their fundraising, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/two-old-biky-mates.

Swimming the English Channel: Deborah’s Fundraising Story

Deborah Herridge started volunteering for Canine Partners as a puppy parent and fosterer for dogs back in 2009 and she thoroughly enjoyed watching the puppies develop and go on to do amazing things. Although she loved the experience, her full time job made it difficult to continue taking on the role – so she turned to fundraising instead.

It was after seeing the London Paralympics that Deborah first became inspired to start fundraising for us, determined to take on a challenge to raise the vital funds needed to provide an assistance dog. Her first fundraiser was a triathlon that she completed at her local gym. It was this experience that started her love for long distance swimming.

Over the past few years, Deborah has raised an incredible £10,000 for charities including us through her swimming challenges and with her next venture, swimming across the English Channel, she hopes to raise another £5,000.

This time round she is giving something back to her sponsors – for every £5 donated, the sponsor will get a ticket for an incredible prize draw that currently includes 96 prizes including luxurious spa days, a flying lesson and much more!

Of choosing Canine Partners to raise funds for, Deborah said:

“I have seen first hand how a canine partner can change people’s lives, and I have made friends with some of the Partners that have been allocated dogs…I can see what it means to them, how much independence they are able to get back and how much the dogs are loved and cared for. Canine Partners really does change people’s lives for the better”.

“Even though fundraising is hard work, it is really rewarding. If I can swim the 21 miles or more to France in the chilly sea with jelly fish, tankers and waves, and by doing so help raise loads for a brilliant charity, then that will make it even more worthwhile.”

To follow Deborah’s journey as she trains for this amazing feat, you can follow her page on Facebook, or find her on Twitter and Instagram.

Donate to Deborah’s fundraising by visiting her JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Deborah-Herridge4

Want to take on a fundraising challenge for Canine Partners?

Visit our Fundraising section for plenty of inspiration and ideas on how to help us transform the lives of people with disabilities.

We’re gearing up to Pedal For Paws!

PedalForPaws It’s not long now until Pedal For Paws, our first cycling event to raise much needed funds for us to train more amazing dogs to support people with disabilities.

Cyclists of all abilities are invited to embark on a 16, 29 or 52 mile route around the beautiful South Downs and are encouraged to seek sponsorship for taking on the challenge.

Director of fundraising and marketing Anne Yendell has said:

“This is the first time we have organised our own cycle event so the whole team is really excited. Cycling is a popular sport and one that can get the entire family out in the fresh air enjoying wonderful scenery. So what are you waiting for? Get on that bike and help us raise money to change the lives of more people with disabilities.”

Early registration entry fees start at £20 for an adult and £10 per child – you can also purchase one of our jerseys as part of the package. Advanced tickets can be purchased up until Friday 30 September, with remaining tickets available at an increased cost on the day.

You can watch our short video about the event below which stars demonstration dog Doyle. If you’d like to sign up to take part visit: https://caninepartners.org.uk/pedalforpaws

Good luck to the Bognor Regis Cycle Club – cycling through the night for CP

Phillip Stannard, Mark Haplik, Paul Edwards , Aaron Smith and Richard Millen , will be riding overnight from Salcombe Regis via Bere Regis, Lyme Regis and finally to their home town of Bognor Regis.

Their support team Michael Smith and Mike Mengham will be accompanying them along the way with a van carrying all their essential equipment, food and drink.

The route is 160 miles with some challenging coastal hills in the way to ride over. The team intend to start the ride at 20:00 with the aim of finishing by 10:00 on the following day (Sunday 17th).

If you would like to sponsor the team, please visit their JustGiving page.

Good luck from everyone at Canine Partners!

Rebecca takes on tough 250km desert running race

Rebecca, 37, from Leicester, but now living in Birmingham, started taking on the Marathon des Sables 2016 race in southern Morocco on Friday 8 April along with around 1,300 other extreme runners from across the world.

The student paramedic hopes to raise £750 by completing the equivalent of five and a half marathons in six days for Canine Partners.

Rebecca said: “I saw the Marathon des Sables on TV in my teens and thought it looked like an amazing race, something only for the elite. I want to prove to myself and others who don’t consider themselves as “proper” runners that anything is possible. The mind is a powerful thing and if I am nothing else then I am very strong willed!

“Preparation was disrupted by foot injuries and niggles as well as the usual work-life struggles having recently taken on a new career.

“I first became aware of Canine Partners when Valiant came to my former workplace as an assistance dog for Sarah. Shortly after I was on Remembrance Parade in Leicester with my Reserve Unit and at the head of the parade was a veteran with his assistance dog. I decided then that my next charity race would also be in aid of Canine Partners.

“I have my own dog, Brindle, who lives with my parents and seeing how she has helped keep my dad active since he retired following a knee replacement shows just what a positive impact a dog can have on our lives. Canine Partners do amazing and tangible work.”

Sian Wilson, Event and Challenge Co-ordinator for Canine Partners, said: “Rebecca is undertaking a phenomenal challenge and is certainly going the extra mile to raise money for Canine Partners.

“Canine Partners does not receive any government funding and relies solely on donations so all the money Rebecca raises from this incredible feat will enable us to partner more disabled people with our amazing assistance dogs.”

The Marathon des Sables, which is ranked by the Discovery Channel as the toughest footrace on earth, is a grueling multi-stage adventure with rules which require runners to be self-sufficient in carrying everything on their back except water that they need to survive. Participants are given a tent to sleep in but any other equipment and food must be carried.

To sponsor Rebecca visit www.justgiving.com/Rebecca-Drackley2mds.

To find out more about taking on a challenge in aid of Canine Partners visit our challenge page, call 01730 716013 or email sianw@caninepartners.org.uk.

Rebecca takes on tough 250km desert running race in aid of Canine Partners

Rebecca, 37, who lives in Birmingham, will take on the Marathon des Sables 2016 race from Friday 8 April in southern Morocco along with around 1,300 other extreme runners from across the world.

The student paramedic hopes to raise £750 by completing the equivalent of five and a half marathons in six days.

“Preparation has been disrupted by foot injuries and niggles as well as the usual work-life struggles having recently taken on a new career.

Holly Bryan, Event and Challenge Co-ordinator for Canine Partners, said: “Rebecca is undertaking a phenomenal challenge and is certainly going the extra mile to raise money for Canine Partners.

To sponsor Rebecca visit www.justgiving.com/Rebecca-Drackley2mds.

To find out more about taking on a challenge in aid of Canine Partners visit our ‘Take part in a challenge‘ page, call 01730 716013 or email hollyb@caninepartners.org.uk.

Put a spring in your step by hosting a Big Bluebell Walk

This year the we’re hoping more people than ever will plan scenic walks up and down the country in the months of April and May to raise money to continue our work, which is life-changing for adults with physical disabilities.

Holly Bryan, Events and Challenge Co-ordinator, said: “Get together with friends, family, colleagues and neighbours and organise a Big Bluebell Walk for all the community to enjoy.

“Walks can be as big or small as you like, and pass through woodlands, fields, spring flowers or even on a beach, the choice is yours!

“We can provide you with a simple pack with all the information you need to get you started, so go on grab your wellies and help transform people’s lives today.”

College lecturer Martin Smailes, who has a spinal injury and relies on his canine partner Keith, said: “Both at home and at work Keith would just continually amaze us with his ability to understand what I needed from simply retrieving a dropped item to retrieving the phone, TV remotes, collecting the mail, opening and closing doors, helping me undress, unloading the washing machine and much more.

“To say Keith has transformed my life would be an understatement. He has changed my life from one of increasing solitude and confidence loss to a bright fun filled, enthusiastic and confident forward looking future.”

Our Big Bluebell Walk campaign has raised more than £168,000 in the past 12 years which has helped to transform the lives of many disabled people.

Adrenaline-junkies Sara and Mike to take part in Tough Mudder for Canine Partners

Sara, 23, who is an Advanced Trainer here at Canine Partners and her boyfriend Mike, 30, now swimming full time in the hope of competing for Great Britain in the future, have signed up to the London West Tough Mudder and will take part in a 20km run jam-packed with army obstacles on Sunday 1 May.

The adventurous duo hope to raise at least £600 which will enable us to train more assistance dogs, transforming the lives of people with disabilities.

Mike said, “I’m looking forward to running for Canine Partners with my girlfriend Sara in hope of raising as much sponsorship as possible for them.

“I’ve seen first-hand how these dogs are able to improve the lives of the people with whom they are partnered and believe the Charity is an amazing cause.

“As Canine Partners isn’t government funded, the Charity has to raise all money themselves to help and improve people’s lives. Its amazing challenges just like this can help provide them with the ‘bread & butter’ funding they require to achieve this mission.

“I feel privileged and honoured to be able to represent Canine Partners at this event and raise as much as humanly possible.”

Added Sara, “Being an Advanced Trainer at Canine Partners, I am lucky enough to be part of the process of not only training the dogs, but putting together a partnership that is going to change someone’s life completely. Knowing that the dogs I train will go on to create great independence for someone and give them a life that they may not have been able to have before is fantastic.

“The more sponsorship we get means more money going towards Canine Partners therefore helping us grow and change even more people’s lives for the better. From buying essential training equipment to purchasing a young puppy, any amount of money will really make a huge difference to someone. If you are able to support us and donate then please do and we will be incredibly grateful.”

To sponsor Sara and Mike, visit their JustGiving page.

Alternatively if you’d like to join Sara and Mike in their Tough Mudder challenge, please get in touch. Visit our challenges page for further information.