Get your spokes spinning and help transform lives

CYCLISTS will pedal across the stunning South Downs to raise vital funds for assistance dog charity Canine Partners.

After two successful cycling events in 2016 and 2017, Pedal For Paws South is back and will take place on Sunday 30 September from the charity’s Southern Training Centre in Heyshott, near Midhurst.

“I decided to take part in Canine Partners’ Pedal For Paws cycle because it’s a fantastic charity to support, the dogs do amazing work and really do change the lives of the people they are partnered with,” says Julie Graham, who took part in Pedal For Paws 2016 in the south.

“Don’t worry if you’ve not done any training as there is a shorter route and a longer route, so take whichever one you fancy and just give it a go!”

Dozens of participants are expected to take part in the event, which aims to raise vital funds for the charity which trains amazing assistance dogs to transform the lives of disabled people, boosting their confidence and independence.

Last year over 100 pedalers took to the streets and this year Canine Partners are hoping for even more.

The dogs are taught a range of everyday tasks including picking up and fetching items, opening doors and dressing a person. They can even help to load and unload a washing machine and they can fetch help in an emergency.

Kerenza Holzman, from Bognor Regis near the charity’s Southern Training Centre in West Sussex, is encouraging people to take part in the event to raise money for the charity that gave her independence back.

After routine surgery left her with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder leading to Myalgic Encephalopathy, Kerenza eventually needed a wheelchair.

She was matched with her canine partner Whisky in June 2012.

“I’ve had Whisky for six years and he’s really changed my life as before him I was quite depressed, I didn’t go out a lot and I didn’t work so I spent a lot of time indoors and life was really hard,” says Kerenza.

“I’ve now made new friends, met loads of new people and I feel like I have a life again.”
“I don’t feel like a disabled person who is useless anymore, I feel like I have a purpose and Whisky has given me back my independence,” Kerenza adds.

The fun cycle event includes a choice of two routes, which are adapted to suit all abilities from beginners to experienced riders.

Facilities include a feed stop on route, an event village, bike washing facilities and refreshments.

Tickets cost £20 for adults, £10 for under 16s and £15 per rider for a group of 10 or more adults.

Registration opens from 8am, with races starting at 9am for the 52 mile route and 9:30am for the 29 mile route.

For more information about Pedal For Paws South please email helenw@caninepartners.org.uk, call 01530 225939 or visit caninepartners.org.uk/pedalforpaws

Share this page