Rugby star Chris Robshaw supports Canine Partners in his Testimonial Year

Rugby Union flanker Chris Robshaw has chosen to support assistance dog charity Canine Partners in his Testimonial Year.

To celebrate the England player’s achievements ten years on from his debut for Harlequins he has chosen charities Canine Partners, 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.

Canine Partners, which receives no government funding and relies solely on donations and legacies, trains dogs to help disabled people with everyday tasks they would otherwise find difficult, painful or impossible including opening doors, undressing, pressing buttons, unloading the washing machine and fetching help in an emergency. The assistance dogs also increase independence, confidence and provide loving companionship.

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 Canine Partners will transform the lives of more people with physical disabilities like David Follett and Andrew Fields.

Wheelchair badminton star David, 26, from Devon, has a spinal injury and says his life since being partnered with Tessie has been transformed.

He said: “Tessie loves working for me and trying her hand at any task I give her. She closes doors that I find difficult because I would have to manoeuvre my wheelchair. She is great at picking up dropped items and retrieving TV controls and phones for me, and she will now seek out my carer Bob if ever I need him for something. Tessie will go and find him, whether it is down the garden or at the other end of the house, and let him know that I need him. She makes a great companion and it takes the worry away from my parents and my wife because when I’m by myself I’m ok as I have Tessie.”

Former Hooker Andrew played rugby internationally for four years for England Under 18-21s in his youth.

The married father became 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, 45, from Hampshire, 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 or for information on Canine Partners visit www.caninepartners.org.uk.

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