Coutts Midnight Walk for Canine Partners

Twelve members of staff from Coutts Guildford are preparing to pound the streets, through the night, to raise money for national charity Canine Partners. The nocturnal walk is taking place on Saturday 7 May, and is one of various fundraising activities that Coutts staff will be taking part in during 2011.  Canine Partners provides specially trained assistance dogs for people with disabilities, and is the chosen Charity of the Year for Coutts Guildford and Tunbridge Wells Branches.

The midnight trek will depart from Guildford at 7.30pm before reaching the finish line in the village of West Humble, Surrey.  The walk will cover 15 miles, following a route along the North Downs Way.  The group is expected to finish at 1am.

Alastair Graham, Client Partner at Coutts in Guildford said: “We chose to organise a midnight walk to support Canine Partners, our Charity of the Year, because we completed a daytime charity walk last year and wanted to further challenge ourselves this year.  This nocturnal walk is one of our many efforts throughout the year to raise the required £10,000 in order for our puppy, Quenna, to be fully trained before she is ready to be partnered with a disabled person. We’d like to extend our thanks to colleagues and clients across our region for their continued support for what we believe is a very worthwhile cause.”   

Canine partners 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 getting help in an emergency.  These life transforming dogs also provide psychological and social benefits including increased independence and confidence.

The cost of each canine partner from selection as a puppy through to the end of its working life is £20,000, but the independence and confidence that dog gives to its human partner is priceless.  Surrey based Wendy Ireland, who has canine partner Mia explains first hand the difference a canine partner makes: “Mia gives me a reason to really live life to the full, she gives me independence, confidence and control of my life – all with so much love, fun and a wag in her tail. She is more than just a dog and more than a substitute for my hands and feet.  She is my peace of mind and my friend.” 

Jill Green, Head of Regional Fundraising for Canine Partners says: “It is fantastic that Coutts Guildford and Tunbridge Wells have chosen Canine Partners as their charity of the year. Canine Partners receives no government funding, and relies solely on donations, so companies, such as Coutts, organising this type of event is vital to help us to train more dogs for people with disabilities.”

Canine Partners for Independence. Registered in England No. 2516146. Charity Commission Registered No. 803680. Scottish Registered Charity No. SCO39050

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