Based in Fareham Marina, Service Dogs UK carefully selects and trains rescue dogs to help Veterans regain independence, confidence, and provide 24/7 support across those in Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, Essex and Somerset areas. The dogs and Veterans form a unique partnership that greatly enhances both their lives.

In addition to supporting Service Dogs UK, we also will be championing a Garsons family member, ex-serviceman Lee James – husband of Clare James, company director – who is taking part in an epic challenge, Atlantic World’s Toughest Row. Lee and his teammate, Peter Sage, are rowing for three charities, one of which is Service Dogs UK, this charity is close to Lee who served 22-years as a Royal Marines Commando.

In December 2024, Lee and Peter will participate in the World’s Toughest Row, an annual ocean rowing race that covers 3,000 miles, starting in the Canary Islands and finishing in Antigua. It is considered one of the most challenging sporting events in the world where they will experience relentless physical exertion, sleep deprivation, extreme weather conditions, isolation and unpredictable ocean environments.

Since leaving the services, Lee has significantly impacted over 6,000 military veterans by offering mental health support in his role as a behavioural consultant. Focusing on helping armed forces personnel to navigate the turbulent transition from military to civilian life, he facilitates essential change through targeted training and workshops. Lee is heavily focused on treating what he calls “invisible wounds”, such as PTSD and other non-physical injuries.

Rowing the Atlantic for mental health has been the inspiration behind their team’s name, ‘Team Cheerfulness’. The name was created to demonstrate the best of human spirit when faced with adversity. ‘Cheerfulness in the Face of Adversity’ is one of the four cornerstones of the ‘commando spirit’ alongside determination, courage and selflessness. By making humour the heart of morale, Lee and Peter aim to tackle the extreme challenges they face with a smile while also growing the profile of Service Dogs UK and raising essential funds.