Gemma Smailes

Gemma's 10,000 Feet Tandem Skydive!

Fundraising for Canine Partners
£2,053
raised
Donations cannot currently be made to this page
10,000 Feet Tandem Skydive!, 31 May 2014
Canine Partners

Verified by JustGiving

RCN 803680
We train and provide assistance dogs to transform the lives of disabled adults

Story

I have always been one of those people that has said I’d love to do something for charity and when I do it has to be something big and brave, but I have always found it hard to decide which charity to raise money for, as there are so many amazing causes out there but then in late 2012 my Dad applied for a Canine Partner and suddenly I found the charity that I knew I had to raise money for!

‘Canine Partners is a registered charity that trains dogs to transform the lives of people with disabilities, including veterans and current serving members of HM Armed Forces.  The dogs are trained to help with everyday tasks such as opening and shutting doors, unloading the washing machine, picking up dropped items, pressing buttons and switches and fetching help in an emergency. (For more information visit www.caninepartners.org.uk)'

I started by collecting stamps, as Canine Partners work with a stamp dealer who operates with various charities to turn stamps into much needed funds, I spread the word through my office and before long I had a queue of people at my desk clutching wads of envelopes. I also discovered that I could adopt a puppy and help to support him through his training. After applying I received a parcel full of information and beautiful pictures of my puppy and since then I have received a Christmas and Valentines card and also a calendar which takes pride of place in my kitchen. Every pack I receive from Canine Partners reminds me of the amazing work they are doing to change the lives of people with disabilities.

Then in December 2013 I got a call from my Mum bursting with excitement to say “Canine Partners think they have a dog for Dad and we’re going to meet him in a couple of weeks”, I don’t think my Mum actually needed a phone when she made that call as she was so excited I could have probably heard her all the way from West Sussex! So off my parents went to meet Dads potential partner, Keith, and the match was a success! Nearly 3 months on Keith is making a huge impact on my Dads life, they have developed a really special bond and Keith is helping Dad with so many daily tasks, that would normally be difficult for Dad to do. 

Canine Partners have changed my Dads life and can change the lives of so many other people living with disabilities so please help me to raise as much money as possible so that Canine Partners can keep on training amazing dogs like Keith!

Thank you xx

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About the charity

Canine Partners

Verified by JustGiving

RCN 803680
We are a registered charity dedicated to providing assistance dogs to help transform the lives of people with physical disabilities. Our dogs allow our clients to enjoy a greater independence and quality of life, and we strive to keep growing so that we can help more people across the UK.

Donation summary

Total raised
£2,053.00
+ £263.75 Gift Aid
Online donations
£1,580.00
Offline donations
£473.00

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