Tarbrax couple raise more than £2000 for Canine Partners
Mark and Mandy Walker from Tarbrax near Edinburgh have together raised over £2000 for Canine Partners, a charity that provides highly trained assistance dogs to people with disabilities. Mark completed the Edinburgh Marathon on 27 May in a time of 5.32.47 seconds and his wife organised a Psychic Evening with April Mackie on 26 May.
This was Mark’s first marathon, despite him walking 40-50 miles a week in his role as a self employed dog walker, behaviourist and trainer. Mark commented:- “After months of training for the big day, I felt excitement rather than nervousness on the start line. The first thirteen miles flew by and it was great to see so many supporters lined up along the route cheering people on. The intense heat began to sap my energy at around mile seventeen and my knees were beginning to hurt. However, I pushed on and felt a great deal of satisfaction to complete a full marathon and raise money for such a good cause.”
Mark and Mandy were inspired to raise funds for Canine Partners due to a friend Ian Mitchell, who has FSH muscular dystrophy, being the fortunate recipient of canine partner Kelty. Mandy comments, “The psychic evening we organised started with Ian talking about his life with Kelty and demonstrating many of the tasks she does for him on a daily basis such as removing Ian’s sweater and gloves, handing over a wallet to a member of the audience and picking up coins right down to a 5p piece. Guests were then given an insight into the psychic abilities of April Mackie, showing her love for people and animals. We have received so much backing from the local community to support our efforts and we feel the amount raised is a real demonstration of team work.”
Canine Partners is always looking for volunteers, fundraisers and puppy parents from the local community, please call the Scottish team on 0845 481 1915 or visit their website for further information. Please also consider saving your used stamps to help raise funds for Canine Partners!
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