The Dogged Determination Of Waitrose’s Staff

A brave band of Waitrose staff are preparing to use pedal power as a way to raise funds for the service charity Hounds for Heroes and are embarking on an epic cycle journey to Paris and then back again.

The charity hounds for heroes, the idea of Clanfield resident and Gulf War veteran Allen Parton, who’s aims are to provide specially trained assistance dogs to injured and disabled men and women of both the UK Armed Forces and Civilian Emergency Services. Through this provision their aims are to provide help and practical support, leading to an enhanced quality of life for the clients.

Last Friday the Waitrose team were given a huge boost in a very public display of support by local representatives from the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air force, Police, Fire and ambulance services. Also along side them were Hounds for Heroes dog EJ, reservist support dogs Clooney, Fire detection dog Blaze and three seven week old Golden retriever puppies called Soldier, Sailor and Airman (who really stole the hearts of every one there!)

The Waitrose cyclists – Geoff Hillman, Mark Edbury, Adam Lander, Robert Dorn, Neil Smith, Mike Swan and Peter Dennis- have been training hard in preparation of this epic journey, which starts on June 4th from Westminster bridge, London the first 57 mile leg to Newhaven and then followed by an over night ferry crossing to the French port of Dieppe

Day two sees this group cycling from Dieppe to Paris, Day three they will begin the return which involves a 62 mile journey to Le Andelys. On day four they will complete the final 63 mile leg to the port of Le Harve, where all being well and everything goes to plan they will catch the evening ferry back to Portsmouth, aiming to return at about 21.30 on 7th June

Mike Swan the team leader said “We are hoping to raise around £5000 for this fantastic charity. Liam Parton, Allen’s son, works at the Petersfield store and when Liam told us about this new charity Hounds for Heroes we instantly knew this was an organisation we wanted to fully support in everyway we can. To have members from all the services and organisations that the charity has been set up to help here today is absolutely inspiring, putting everything in to context about what we are trying to achieve and why. Hampshire is a county that has all three services based in it which is quite poignant. All of us are very honored to be in the company of so many of our unsung heroes.

Hounds for Heroes founder member Allen Parton said “All of us at Hounds for Heroes have been truly inspired and humbled by the level support and efforts of the Waitrose staff to help us raise the much needed funds to help train and place our first five assistance dogs with our future clients. This level of support really does send out such a clear and positive message to those currently serving on the front line that folk at home really do care about them, which is so crucially important for them to hear! ” A long time ago I had this Pig’s ear of an idea with no ability to make it real but I am now watching in awe as a very caring group of people turn it in to the silk purse of reality!”

Two soldiers from the 104 Force Support Battalion based in Bordon, Warrant officer Paul Hudson and Corporal Matthew Ash, who had both recently returned from active duty in Afghanistan, were there to give their support. “Hounds for Heroes is a really great charity and is much needed to provide not only physical but also psychological support and rehabilitation for our injured troops and members of the emergency services said WO Hudson.

Hounds for Heroes Chairman Squadron Leader Wayne Palmer from RAF High Wycombe, having also just returned from Camp Bastion Afghanistan, also attended with reservist Dog Berkley to lend his support. He said that he felt immensely privileged to be part of this amazing charity. It is really going to make such an incredible difference to the quality of life of those men and women of our armed forces and emergency services who have been injured and disabled” The assistance dog will be a dedicated and devoted friend, making life worth living again and replicating the comradeship experienced whilst serving on the front line both at home and overseas”

If you would like to support and sponsor the Waitrose team please visit the store or online at www.justgiving.com/cyclehounds

For more information about Hounds for Heroes please visit www.houndsforheroes.com Tel:- 07788934455

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Tags:  adam lander, Animal Charities