Day: November 17, 2012

Oceans of support for Canine Partners

An Information Day held at Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre on Saturday 10 November has raised £171.33 for Canine Partners, a charity that provides specially trained assistance dogs to people with physical disabilities.

Visitors to the shopping centre visited a Canine Partners stand where they could pick up information and take part in a raffle. Staffing the stand were Canine Partners staff, puppies in training and people with disabilities who have a canine partner.

One of those present was Sally Hyder from Edinburgh, Olympic torch bearer and author of best-selling book Finding Harmony, which describes her life before and after she received her canine partner Harmony.

Sally was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1990 but has continually strived to be an active mother to her three children, despite being in continual pain.  She said: “Thanks to Harmony I get out every day and have made new friends amongst the dog-walking community. I do my own washing and shopping.  Harmony has now learnt to put things in the washing machine rather than purely taking them out.   I have the energy to do things.  I drop things I don’t have to ask a stranger or my family to pick up after me. She even goes for help if I happen to fall out of my wheelchair.”

Dale Gormley, Canine Partners community fundraiser for Scotland, said: “Thank you to Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre for letting us have a stand and to all those who visited us.  We are striving to spread the word as much as possible about how our dogs can change the lives of people with disabilities in Scotland.  We rely heavily on volunteers and fundraisers, so if you think you can help us out do please get in touch.”

If you feel you can help Canine Partners in Scotland through fundraising, volunteering, taking on your own challenge, saving your used stamps and much more please call 0845 4811915 or visit www.caninepartners.org.uk.

Another year, another record for Children in Need

BBC’s Children in Need appeal has raised over £26.7 million – and as that figure is certain to rise as more donations come in it seems sure that this year’s event will produce another record total.

The British public has dug deep to support the BBC appeal once again, despite the crisis caused by the Jimmy Saville revelations and continued economic gloom.

Speaking at the start of the show, veteran presenter Sir Terry Wogan said: “As you know by now, we are going to be asking you to help us support disadvantaged children all over the UK. You have been amazing so many times before and we humbly hope that we can count on your help once more. We know that children are vulnerable. In the news in recent weeks there has been an awful reminder of just how true that can be. We have been supporting victims all of all kinds of abuse, including sexual abuse, for many years now – we will continue to do so. We also support children in a wide range of circumstances, and they all have something in common – they all need your help.”

David Ramsden, chief executive of BBC Children in Need said: “Tonight’s total is phenomenal. It is amazing that people across the UK have once again come together to raise such a massive sum. Thank you so much for helping to change thousands of young lives across the UK.”

It seems everybody wanted to do their bit for Children in Need this year – these local students certainly played their part!

Me? I sat in a bath filled to the brim with processed peas on Friday evening. Mind you, I do that most weekends anyway …

Disabled man assaulted and robbed in his Broughton Road home

Lothian and Borders Police are appealing for witnesses after a disabled man was assaulted and robbed at his home in Broughton Road. The incident happened at around 12.50pm on Thursday (15 November). 

The 39-year-old, who is blind and requires the use of crutches and a wheelchair, received a knock at his door and went to answer. When he opened the door a male forced his way in and presented a sharp object before robbing the man of his possessions. A struggle ensued during which time the victim suffered a cut to his face and was knocked to the ground before the male made off from the property.

Police are now keen to speak with anyone who can assist with their enquiries.

The suspect is described as being around 5ft 10ins tall with a slim build. He had a local accent, is believed to be in his mid twenties or early thirties and smelled strongly of stale body odour, smoke and alcohol.

Detective Sergeant Dave Pinkney said: “This was a despicable and opportunistic theft, which targeted a vulnerable man who was virtually unable to defend himself. Despite his visual impairment, the victim has provided us with a fairly detailed description of the suspect and we are carrying out enquiries within the local community to identify him. Anyone who was in the Broughton Road area on Wednesday afternoon and remembers seeing anything suspicious, or who can help us trace the man responsible for this crime is asked to contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131

or the charity Crimestoppers in complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.