Dogs for Good believes in the power of dogs.

Since 1988, Dogs for Good has been making life-changing differences for people with disabilities. The charity supports people with complex needs including physical disabilities, autism, dementia and learning disabilities enabling them to lead more independent lives through the help of trained dogs.

They receive over 5,000 enquiries a year and it costs more than £22,000 to train and support each assistance dog. With your sponsorship, they can create more life-changing partnerships. Thank you.

TEAM SHELDON

For my 65th birthday next year I am planning on completing the 3 peaks challenge with my assistance dog Sheldon. I have a rare genetic hereditary neuromuscular condition where my muscles deteriorate, so I don’t have too much use of my legs and arms.

I am hoping to raise enough money around £30,000 to support a dog through its life with someone. I was going to do this challenge with my friend Michelle and her dog Joan but she sadly passed away in June so I will be wheeling in her memory.

I am enlisting the help of 15 people who want to do the challenge with me and to help push and pull me up the mountains.

I have enrolled at a local leisure centre and the instructors are helping me to strengthen my arms and core.

I have been fundraising for the past 10 years for Dogs for Good a charity that helps disabled people make life better. The things I get up to now I have my assistance dog are just amazing and totally out of my comfort zone but so worthwhile.

I have done an indoor sky dive, zipped the longest and fastest zip wire in Wales, travelled 100 miles with my dog last October. We also go along to bucket collections, outdoor events and shows and quizzes. I enjoy giving talks to groups and my dogs always give a demonstration of some of the things they help me with.

I love fundraising and talking about my dogs and the joy and love they have brought me. I have had 3 dogs from Dogs for Good. The charity make life possible with the use of expertly trained dogs. My first dog Yan was a collie x labrador and he was such fun, and gave me my life back following my diagnosis. He got me out of my depression and we had a lovely life together until he retired at 10 ½. We did wheelchair dancing in the park just something I taught him myself, I also taught him to read during lockdown only a couple of words but he is a dog! He now has his paws up in Southampton. When he retired I was matched with Kingsley a very beautiful and gentle black lab x retriever. Unfortunately, he died this year due to a tragic accident at the age of 4. A huge loss and one that I thought I would never get over. I reverted back to before I had Yan and couldn’t go out without him and I was totally lost again for the first time in12 years.

You never know what is round the corner and I now have the most cheeky fun dog called Sheldon . He is a golden retriever x labrador who is only 2 but has helped me come to terms with my loss of Kingsley and has got me out and about again. He has shown a natural ability for a dog sport called Hoopers and has already in only 4 lessons gained his Bronze Award. He works hard at home as well, emptying the washing machine, getting my slippers picking up all my dropped items and he helps change the bed. The biggest impact with these dogs is the emotional support and the confidence they give their owners.

There is always hope and giving up is not an option. If you can support me please do as this is going to be TOUGH!