Schoolchildren dig deep to help provide dogs for disabled people

YOUNGSTERS swapped their uniforms for pyjamas to raise hundreds for charity after being inspired by an amazing dog.

Children at St Mary’s The Mount Catholic Primary School in Jesson Road, Walsall raised more than £220 for Canine Partners which trains special dogs that transform the lives of disabled people.
The students were inspired to help the charity after getting to know Lexi – a seven-month-old black Labrador cross golden retriever puppy who is regularly seen in the playground with Liz Bull, one of the charity’s voluntary puppy parents who also childminds pupils at the school.

Liz and her husband Pete have also brought Lexi into school assemblies to meet the children and talk about the charity and the important job Lexi will one day have.

Hundreds of children donated £1 each to wear their pyjamas to school to support the charity while saving time in the morning as they didn’t need to put on their uniforms.

The cash will go towards the cost of training Lexi and her canine partner friends.

She will learn how to open doors, pick up items from shop shelves and even help at a cash point and load and unload washing machines before she is matched to someone who has a disability.
All of these tasks will help boost the person’s independence and confidence.

Lexi is the second puppy the couple has looked after for the charity and their last puppy, Vera was also a familiar face at the school before she began her advanced training at Canine Partners’ Midlands training centre in Osgathorpe, Leicestershire.

Pete said: “I’m blown away by the generosity of the children at St Mary’s The Mount School who have raised a fantastic amount of money for Canine Partners.

“Being part of the charity’s team of puppy parents is extremely rewarding – not only because we get a cute puppy for a year, but also because we know how much of a difference that pup will make once they are fully trained.

“However, Canine Partners receives no government funding so fundraisers like these are vital so that they can continue training amazing dogs like Lexi and Vera.

Find out more: How to become a puppy parent