Sign up for the Big Ashridge Walk

The event will take place at the Ashridge Estate in Berkhamsted on Sunday April 12 from 11am.

Shelley Fitzsimmons, organiser of the two-mile walk which is suitable for wheelchairs, said: “We really look forward to welcoming everyone to the Big Ashridge Bluebell Walk, and April’s event is shaping up to be a great afternoon with an afternoon of fun for all the family.”

Canine Partners provides specially trained assistance dogs to help people with disabilities such as opening and closing doors, undressing, pressing buttons, retrieving items, unloading washing machines, taking card and cash from ATMs and other everyday tasks that disabled people find difficult, painful or impossible to do for themselves.

Shelley, who has Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and is helped by canine partner Kibble, said: “Every morning a beautiful furry black face greets me and he helps me get out of bed and get dressed, when I want to and go to bed in the evening when I want to which is fantastic, I’m independent again.

“Since the day Kibble and I arrived home together we go everywhere, nowhere is out of bounds and we don’t have to wait for anyone, we are invincible!”

All funds raised from this walk will help the charity to train more assistance dogs and transform the lives of people with disabilities, including wounded servicemen and women in conjunction with Help for Heroes.

Canine Partners CEO Andy Cook added: “The Big Bluebell Walk is a family fun event and we would like as many people as possible to join us on our spring scenic walk - and you are more than welcome to bring your dog along on their leads too.

“We do not receive any government funding and rely solely on donations so the money you raise will help create more canine partnerships, transforming the lives of disabled people.

“This year is a particularly special one for us at Canine Partners as we are celebrating our 25th anniversary, so come along and walk your support for the charity.”

The fundraising event is part of the Charity’s national Big Bluebell Dog Walk Campaign, which has raised more than £150,000 in the past 11 years.

Entrance is £5 per person and there is plenty of free car parking.

To register or find out more information visit caninepartners.org.uk/bigbluebellwalks, call 01730 716013 or email [email protected].