Get on your bikes and help change a life

Get on your bikes and help change a life (South)

THE wheels are already in motion for a top new cycling challenge to return to the south.

Canine Partners’ Pedal for Paws is back and the charity says it will be bigger and better than ever.

Tickets have now gone on sale for the second annual event after more than 100 people got on their bikes last year and helped raise more than £4,000 for the assistance dog charity which was founded in Hampshire in 1990.

The cash went towards training special dogs that transform the lives of physically disabled people.

The dogs are taught to open doors, dress and undress a person and even load and unload a washing machine – giving people back their confidence and independence.

Dozens of participants got on their bikes and soaked up the sights of the South Downs National Park while pedaling up cash to help others.

And this year the charity expects even more people to take part in the 29 and 52-mile routes from its Southern Training Centre in Midhurst.

They have also launched a second event which, for the first time, will see hordes of cyclists pedal through the Leicestershire countryside from its Midlands Training Centre.

Among last year’s participants was Invictus Games gold medalist and former RAF aircraftsman Mike Goody who is known as the UK’s ‘prince of the pool’.

The 32-year-old from Bognor Regis said: “I loved taking part in last year’s Pedal for Paws – it was absolutely fantastic.

“There was a great atmosphere on the day and it was amazing to see so many people supporting Canine Partners.

“I can’t wait for it to return so I can get on my bike again in support of this life-changing charity.”

This year’s event 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.

Get on your bikes and help change a life (Midlands)

THE wheels are in motion for a top new cycling challenge to come to Leicestershire.

Assistance dog charity Canine Partners has launched the special new Pedal for Paws event which will see dozens of cyclists get on their bikes in support of the charity.
Any money raised will go towards providing specially trained assistance dogs that transform the lives of people with disabilities.

Among those who are already supported by a canine partner is Kate Cross who has Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a hereditary condition that affects her joints, skin, blood vessels and internal organs, causing chronic pain and fatigue.

The 54-year-old from Burbage, Leicestershire was paired with her canine partner May three years ago – and she has turned her life around.

The five-year-old Labrador cross golden retriever helps Kate with everyday tasks including picking up anything she drops, opening doors, helping her undress and she can even load and unload a washing machine.

This means Kate is in less pain and she has more independence as she needs to rely less on other people.

May can even fetch help in an emergency, which boosts Kate’s sense of security.

Kate said: “This lovely fun-loving dog has taken some of my disability away and has given me freedom.

“In the past if I was in pain, I may have stayed in bed all morning but I now get up, carried along by May’s love of life!

“She is so much more than a dog who gives me practical help – she is by my side constantly, my loyal friend, my security, my doorway to independence and she fills each day with laughter due to her sunny character.

“I would love to see more extraordinary dogs like May transform even more lives – and people can help by taking part in the Pedal for Paws cycling challenge and raising money for Canine Partners.”

Cyclists have the choice of two routes, taking them either 29 or 51-miles from Canine Partners’ training centre in Osgathorpe, Loughborough through stunning Leicestershire countryside including Charnwood Lodge Nature Reserve.

The event comes after the success of a similar cycling challenge last year from the charity’s other training centre in West Sussex which saw more than 100 people take part, raising more than £4,000.

Canine Partners’ national events officer Sian Wilson said: “After the success of last year’s Pedal for Paws in the south we are thrilled to be taking this event to the Midlands so that even more people can take part and help us change lives for the better.

“It should be a fantastic day – giving people a fun challenge and the chance to soak up the sights of Leicestershire’s countryside.

“We receive no government funding so events like these are vital for us to continue training our amazing dogs which give people like Kate Cross back their independence.”
Pedal for Paws will take place from 8am on October 8.