‘People’s Nancy’ Goes to the Dogs!

Ignoring the old show business adage of never working with children and animals, West End Star Jodie Prenger – winner of BBC One’s I’d Do Anything talent show – recently spent time at the Banbury centre of charity Dogs for the Disabled.

The charity, which provides disabled children with a best friend and helper in the shape of four legs and a wagging tail, receives support from the BBC’s Children In Need.

Jodie said: “I was so excited to see these amazing dogs in action. I love dogs so much and so could instantly see how much difference they make to the lives of these children who face huge challenges every day.”

During her visit, Jodie saw all the work that goes into training an assistance dog, meeting four month old yellow Labrador Pudsey, sponsored by Children in Need. She then met five of the children’s partnerships and heard first-hand how the arrival of their assistance dogs transformed their lives.

Communications manager at Dogs for the Disabled, Sarah Watson, said: “All the children thoroughly enjoyed their day and demonstrating to Jodie just what their dogs can do for them.  The children we work with face many struggles every day so it was great to see them taking such pride in what their dogs can do.

“We have trained nearly 50 assistance dogs for disabled children but there are still many more who could be helped and every bit of support we receive can help us train more dogs for the people who need it most,” she added.

More: 01295 252 600, www.dogsforthedisabled.org