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Paraplegic man completes record attempt for assistance dog charity
Peter Smorthit is raising money for Canine Partners, which trains assistance dogs.
Peter Smorthit pushed his wheelchair from Lands’ End to John O’Groats.

A paraplegic man is raising money for an assistance dog charity as he aims to achieve a Guinness World Record.

Peter Smorthit, from London, has pushed his everyday wheelchair 967 miles from Lands’ End to John O’Groats. He could be the first person to achieve this in a non-racing wheelchair, and the first complete paraplegic to travel the journey.

Mr Smorthit is raising money for Canine Partners, a Midlands-based charity which trains assistance dogs and partners them with people with disabilities.

Assistance dogs trained by Canine Partners are able to provide people with essential support. The dogs are able to pick up and fetch items, open doors and help with dressing and undressing.

They are also able to load and unload a washing machine and can get help in the case of an emergency.

The charity resonates with Mr Smorthit, who became a T10 complete paraplegic after a severe accident 13 years ago. Since then, he has taken on marathons, triathlons and fundraising challenges in aid of charities like Canine Partners.

For this latest challenge, Mr Smorthit set off from Lands’ End on 12 July. While pulling necessary supplies in a trailer, he aimed to travel approximately 30-40 miles per day.

He completed his journey on 15 July, after 34 days on the road. It has yet to be confirmed by Guinness World Records whether this is a record-breaking feat.

Mr Smorthit said: "I'm doing this challenge to say a massive thank you to the charity Canine Partners for all the amazing and vital work they do. I'm hoping I can raise funds to enable them to continue to transform the lives of many more disabled people by partnering them with one of their amazing assistance dogs."

In a post on his Just Giving page after his attempt, he wrote: “Has been one hell of a journey and have had literally everything imaginable thrown at me but I’ve just continued to dig in and kept going.”

Rebecca Middleton, community fundraiser at Canine Partners, said: "It's incredible to see Peter taking on this monumental challenge in support of Canine Partners. We are immensely grateful for his efforts!"

Image © Canine Partners

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Vetlife nominated for campaign award

News Story 1
 Vetlife has been shortlisted for the Association of Charity Organisations (ACO) Campaign of the Year Award 2024.

The nomination recognises its campaigning to raise awareness of neurodiversity within the profession and produce resources for individuals and workplaces. Vetlife's campaign has included talks, lived experience blogs, and an awareness video.

Kirstie Pickles, Vetlife trustee and project lead, said: "I am thrilled and delighted that the Vetlife neurodiversity awareness campaign has been shortlisted for the ACO Campaign of the Year Award 2024"

The winner will be announced 12 September 2024. 

Click here for more...
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Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.