Categories: Events

Events

Helen from Crowthorne puts her best foot forward to fundraise for us

Helen, 40, from Crowthorne, hopes to raise £200 by completing this feat for the charity.

Helen said: “My training has been going really well so far. It’s much easier to stick to a training plan when you are running for such a good cause.”

Holly Bryan, Event and Challenge Co-ordinator, said: “Helen 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 Helen raises from this incredible feat will enable us to partner more disabled people with our amazing assistance dogs.”

To sponsor Helen visit www.justgiving.com/HM-COULTHARD/

If you would like to run for Canine Partners in the Reading Half Marathon we still have some official charity partnership places left. Visit our Reading Half Marathon page for more information and to let us know you’d like to run.

Alternatively if running isn’t your thing but you’d still like to be at the event, you could volunteer.

Daredevil Francesca to take the plunge to raise vital funds

Daredevil Francesca, 18, from Mayland, Chelmsford, said: “I’ve been looking for something adventurous to do and now not only have I found one to do, I can raise money for a truly amazing charity too!”

Francesca, a Writtle College student will jump in tandem out of a plane while harnessed to the front of a fully qualified instructor to raise money for our charity.

To donate to Francesca’s brave fundraising effort visit www.justgiving.com/Francesca-Moore5 .

If you’ve been inspired by Francesca and would like to take on a skydive or any challenge for Canine Partners then take a look at what we have to offer. You could walk, run, ride your bike or do something even more adventurous. We’d love to hear from as many budding Canine Partners challengers as possible.

Please get in touch and let us know what you’d like to challenge yourself to!

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

Big Holywell Bluebell Walk (credit Vernon Nash) (12)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.

Canine partner Jason attracts the attention of the Prime Minister

David and JaneJane was lucky enough to be invited to their grand opening for the company which supplies, services and repairs powerchairs. David Cameron is MP for Witney, the constituency in which Recare is based.

Thrilled Jane, who had no idea David Cameron was attending, said: “Nothing much was happening as we were seemingly waiting for someone who had yet to arrive, and as usual, Jason was having a lot of attention and being photographed by the professional photographer and many of the staff who had cameras or mobiles to hand. So when this ‘late arrival’ walked in who should it be but the Prime Minister! With his entourage of security of course.

Jane Usher and Jason prior to meeting David Cameron“After being shown around the new premises he then came over to talk and remarked that I was in a well-used chair (seeing the quantity of mud which dog walking on muddy paths had created!) and asked some questions about my chair. He then looked down at Jason and asked who this young chap was. He asked what Jason did for me and was happy to crouch down and talk to him. Jason, as you can see from the photos, was very relaxed about the whole event and decided to hold David Cameron’s hand. We had a fun afternoon.”

Jason is certainly no stranger to attention. When he was a puppy he has had his photograph taken with Terry Wogan and also the Countess of Wessex. He has now been stroked by a celebrity, a royal and now the Prime Minister!

Chris Robshaw supports us in his Testimonial Year

site_imagery_AndrewFields_emilyandDoyle_withChrisTo celebrate the England player’s achievements ten years on from his debut for Harlequins he has chosen our charity alongside Teenage Cancer Trust and Walking with the Wounded to benefit from a series of events he will hold in 2016, as well as giving back to the rugby community.

Chris, 29, who went to Millfield School, said: “I have chosen to support Canine Partners due to seeing first-hand the exceptional benefits dogs have upon people in need. The ability these dogs have in developing their partner’s quality of life is outstanding and I am honoured that the Chris Robshaw Testimonial Committee will be able to support the Charity.”

The rugby player, who has played 67 tests for England, launched his Testimonial Year with an event at Coutts Bank in London where he described his plans for the year and had a question and answer session in front of an invited audience.

Chris and a selected committee have planned events throughout 2016, including a dinner in Twickenham Changing Rooms, a golf day at Goodwood, a clay shoot at the West Wycombe Estate, a Festival of Rugby, a touch rugby series across London and a gala dinner at The Roundhouse in London, to raise awareness and funds for his chosen beneficiaries.

The money Chris will fundraise for us will transform the lives of more people with physical disabilities like Andrew Fields who attended the launch evening and met Chris himself. Former Hooker Andrew played rugby internationally for four years for England Under 18-21s in his youth and became an incomplete tetraplegic after a motorbike accident in 2001. Andrew is now the Head Coach of Winchester Rugby Football Club’s men’s team, as well as a P.E. teacher in Basingstoke.

Andrew, who also went to Millfield School, said: “I was 31-years old when the incident happened and I broke my neck. Now, I can walk with a stick but I use a wheelchair most of the time. I used to own a gym and was very active so it has changed everything.

“I was matched with canine partner Emily in 2008 and since then she has given me much more confidence and she is a talking point as people want to know all about her life as a canine partner. Emily’s best skill is removing socks, hats and gloves which is particularly useful during the rugby season. This is a tedious activity that becomes fun when she is involved. She makes me happy, entertains me and is a huge part of our family.”

To find out more about Chris’s testimonial year visit www.testimonial.chrisrobshaw.com.

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.

Help transform people’s lives at our fun Quiz Night

We’re urging teams of six to register for our first charity quiz night to be held at our Midlands Centre in Osgathorpe, Leicestershire on Friday 12 February between 6.30pm and 10pm. Tickets are available by advanced booking only and cost £10 per person which includes hot food.

Helen Watkinson, Regional Fundraiser for the Midlands, said: “Gather your friends, family, colleagues and neighbours for a fun quiz night in aid of our life-changing organisation. There will be multiple rounds so hopefully there will be something for everyone!

“Canine Partners does not receive any government funding and relies solely on donations and legacies to continue its instrumental work, so by participating you will be contributing to a charity which really does transform the lives of disabled people.”

Kate Cross, from Burbage, who has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and relies on canine partner May, will be running the quiz with her husband Stuart.

Participants are invited to arrive for 6.30pm with the quiz starting at 7pm. There will be a prize for the winning team.

To purchase tickets or to find our more email helenw@caninepartners.org.uk, call 01530 225939 or visit caninepartners.org.uk/events.

Challenge yourself with an active challenge this year

We have places ready to be snapped up in the Reading Half Marathon, Brighton Marathon, Tough Mudder, Ride London, Forth Road Bridge Abseil and Para Tri.

Holly Bryan, Events and Challenge Co-ordinator, said: “We are looking for people of all abilities who are willing to take on a challenge this year in aid of Canine Partners. All we ask is that you give something back by raising money for us through sponsorship.

“We have places available for many events during 2016 but we can also support you if you have your own place and wish to fundraise for Canine Partners.

“By supporting Canine Partners you will be joining our amazing ‘purple army’ team who are helping us to change people’s lives for the better.”

Paul Sparrow, who ran the London Marathon for Canine Partners last year, said: “The support I have received from the crowds and the Charity were fantastic and if one person saw my vest and googled Canine Partners to learn more about them, then it will have been worthwhile.”

For more information about taking on a challenge in aid of Canine Partners please contact Holly by filling in the form below.

Join Royalty by taking part in 25-piece Textile Art Challenge

We’re challenging people to buy a pack of 25 fabrics and use all of them, in whole or part, to create a finished piece which will be exhibited for four days from Thursday 18 February at The Angel Inn in Midhurst, who are generously hosting the event.

Attendees of the exhibition will be able to purchase the creative pieces of art, with all funds enabling us to continue our life-changing work.

Organiser Olive Rowell, who was one of a team of 60 chosen to embroider HRH The Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding dress under strict confidentiality at the Royal School of Needlework in the lead up to the Royal wedding in 2011, is donating all proceeds from the £10 pack to us.

Olive, from Haslemere, said: “We are thrilled TRH The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester’s Household have taken time out from their busy schedule to take part in the challenge.  HRH The Duke of Gloucester is Patron of Canine Partners, and has always taken a keen interest in the work of the Charity.

“There is still time to be among Royalty and take part too; it is an ideal gift for people of all ages. It is a fantastic opportunity to be creative whether you complete the challenge as an individual or group.

“We look forward to welcoming people to the exhibition in February and raising funds so such a worthwhile cause.”

If you are interested in purchasing a 25-piece pack to take on the Textile Art Challenge please contact Olive Rowell on 01428 642507 or it will be available via caninepartners.org.uk/shop from  Monday 4 January.

HRH The Countess of Wessex GCVO joins us at Draycott carol service

The popular event was attended by more than 600 guests and had a host of celebrity readers including actors Fiona Fullerton and David Robb, TV personality Nicholas Parsons CBE LL.D and Colonel John Blashford-Snell OBE. The congregation was also treated to a special version of ‘Silent Night’ sung by Sophie Hurst.

The stars of the evening were undoubtedly all the Canine Partners dogs that were showing off their skills, as well as the many partnerships of disabled people with working canine partners who attended. One such partnership, Jo Hill and her canine partner Derby, had the guests in tears as she spoke about the difference Derby has made to her life and those of her four children and husband.

HRH The Countess of Wessex had a chance to meet all the dogs, who had practised a variety of tasks and had also perfected a bow when they met their Royal guest.

Draycott Nursing and Care have organised this event in aid of our charity for four years, and have raised thousands of pounds, some of which has paid for the training and partnership of Hamlin who was named after Draycott’s Founder and Managing Director, Angela Hamlin.

Our CEO, Andy Cook, said: “It was a wonderful evening made all the more special by the presence of HRH The Countess of Wessex. We thank Draycott Nursing and Care for organising the event, and all those who bought tickets and donated to the Charity.  We receive no government funding so the proceeds from this event will make a difference to the lives of more people with disabilities.”