News & Insights
Gillian raises £1400 for support dogs
Gillian Ibbotson has raised £1,400 so far after completing the London Marathon in to raise vital funds for Support Dogs, a national charity that gives "a new lease of life to people with epilepsy, physical disabilities and children with autism.
The charity trains three main types of support dog including seizure alert dogs, disability assistance dogs and autism assistance dogs for thousands of families across the UK. It receives no support from government and relies entirely on charitable donations. It costs £12,000 to put one Support Dog through a twelve-month period of training.
Gillian, a Solicitor in the Private Client Department at Latimer Hinks solicitors, said: “It was an exhilarating experience finishing the marathon and a wonderful feeling to know that I was running not only as a personal challenge, which it was, but also to raise money for such a vital cause as Support Dogs.
“The charity does an amazing job training and providing life-long support to these dogs that literally have the capacity to turn peoples lives around. Since joining the family, the Gregors Support Dog, Oyster, has provided a remarkable support and friendship to young Elizabeth and has literally given her a new lease of life.
Gill is raising money to help people like seven-year old Elizabeth Gregor from Guisborough who is autistic and also suffers from Dravet syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy. The youngster has blossomed since four year old Labrador Retriever Oyster joined the family three years ago after completing her training with Support Dogs.
Her mother Marie said: ” Elizabeth has been given a new lease of life since Oyster joined our family. She used to refuse to walk anywhere and had difficulty communicating with people, now she holds on to Oyster and walks everywhere with me, including regular walks to the woods, which she loves.
“I cannot believe how much Oyster has changed Elizabeths life for the better. She started talking to Oyster and then about the dog and has now really opened up. Her communication skills have improved hugely. She loves to play with her dog and its lovely to see her laughing while playing in the garden with Oyster. It really is fantastic to see, and couldnt ever have been achieved without Support Dogs.
To donate to Gillians Just Giving account, which will remain open for another three months, please visit www.justgiving.com/Gillian-Ibbotsonideally before the London Marathon, which takes place on April 21st.
For more information about Support Dogs, visit www.support-dogs.org.uk.
