Assistance dog charity to celebrate 25 years with Billingshust swimathon

The charity, Canine Partners, is calling on teams of four swimmers to take part at Billingshurt Leisure Centre on Saturday February 7 and raise a minimum sponsorship of £250.

Each team will swim for two hours and the winners will be those who swim the most lengths, with each member required to swim at least two lengths doggy paddle.

The pool has disabled access and is open to all age-groups and abilities, although swimmers must be able to swim at least two lengths and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Holly Bryan, events and challenge co-ordinator at Canine Partners, said: “The swimathon is a fun event and great for anyone looking for a challenge.”

Canine Partners train dogs to assist people with disabilities with practical tasks such as opening and shutting doors, unloading the washing machine, picking up items, pressing buttons and getting help in an emergency.

Each dog is carefully matched to the applicant’s needs, and provide their owners with companionship, social interaction, and increase their independence.

The charity, whose training centre is in Heyshott, West Sussex, receives no government funding and is dependent on public donations and legacies.

The event will take place between 4pm and 8pm, and requires a £20 registration fee per team.

Team entries are limited, register and find our more by emailing [email protected] or call 01730 716013.