Fundraiser of the month

February 2006

It’s a first for the Fundraiser of the Month! – a Hearing Dogs’ member of staff is the recipient of the award for February 2006 - for her outstanding efforts as both a participant and fundraiser in the 2005 BUPA Great North Run.  In addition we extend a special mention to all 90 of our dedicated runners who took part on 18 September 2005 and pledged their valuable support.

Claire Bott is a kennel team leader at the Charity’s headquarters in south Bucks.  She’s worked there for four years and recently attained her level two qualification in the Hearing Dogs’ training programme for kennel staff. 

As well as supervising the kennel blocks and ensuring all dogs and animals are cared for, relaxed and happy and that their environment is kept clean and hygienic, Claire also gives talks on all aspects of a dog’s health care to deaf recipients and training to junior kennel staff. 

Last year, Claire was inspired - along with colleagues Nikki Fleming, Tom Green, Natalie Johanssen and Jackie Boyle - to take part in the BUPA Great North Run as part of Hearing Dogs’ team in the famous event.  Her training paid off and she finished inside her target time of 2 hours 45 minutes - raising a fantastic £400 for her chosen charity.

Well done to Claire and the rest of the Hearing Dogs’ team – who look set to bring in more than £30,000 altogether!  Read more Great North Run testimonials below:

Mark Warren and family, Leicestershire
Mark, his wife and mother-in-law, all ran the Great North Run for Hearing Dogs in 2005.  Mark said: “We read about Hearing Dogs on the Internet and thought it sounded a great cause to raise funds for – especially since many people still haven’t heard of the Charity.”  Daughter Jessica, aged two, also attended and made firm friends with demonstration hearing dog Teal!

Darren Johnson, South Shields
Not content with the challenge posed by a 13-mile slog on a hot September’s day, Darren decided to run in a Mexican costume!  “It was a last minute idea,” he said, “I tried Batman in the costume shop but this was more me!  It was pretty hot – but at least the sombrero gave me shade to shelter under!” 

Pat Revitt, Northamptonshire
“This was my third Great North Run and I’ve always raised funds for charities.  This year I chose Hearing Dogs because I wanted to support a cause that helped people and animals too.  The fact that so many hearing dogs come from rescue satisfied that part of my criteria!”

Stanley and Gwendolyn Elworthy, Mid Glamorgan
“Hearing Dogs is one of Rotary’s preferred charities of the year and as a Rotarian myself I wanted to show my support.   I’m sending my sponsor form around all my fellow Rotarians in our Barryvale Club and further afield!  I ran the Great North Run in 2004 for a different charity – but it was more tiring this year as it was so much hotter.  There was an excellent atmosphere though, as always, with bands playing and crowds cheering.”

Hearing Dogs has charity assured places in the 2006 BUPA Great North Run.  Email Hannah Phillips for details.

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