Yesterday, after the Christmas luncheon with members of royal family at Buckingham Palace, The Countess of Wessex attended the Canine Partners Twenty Fifth Anniversary Carol Service.
courtesy of Lucy Elliot Photography, HRH meets Eileen Reynolds and her very beloved partner, Icharus.
The event took place at The Guards Chapel - the religious home of the Household Division at the Wellington Barracks in London. It is the only Military Chapel located in London.
HRH joined more than 600 people who were enjoying carols and festivities as well as readings from some of the special guests including Nicholas Parsons CBE, Fiona Fullerton, David Robb and Colonel John Blashford-Snell OBE. Special version of 'Silent Night' was sung by Sophie Hurst.
However true stars of the event were canine partners, specially trained dogs. According to Western Morning News, The Countess of Wessex had a chance to meet all the dogs, who had practised a variety of tasks and had also perfected a bow when they met their Royal guest.
HRH is very fond of dogs, she always had a dog, even as a little girl. One of HRH's best childhood memories is "Taking my dog for walks in the woods & playing pirates with trees as our ships & the streams with crocodiles!". Curently Sophie is a proud owner of Martha, who was featured with HRH at the cover of Harper's Bazaar. The Countess also has an i-Phone cover with dachshund and even a hair-clip, also in shape of a dachshund!
During the evening people could also hear a moving story from Jo Hill and her canine partner Derby. This partnership had the guests in tears, when Jo spoke about the difference Derby has made to her life as well as her four children and husband.
Guests were also given the opportunity to pull a cracker with a canine partner. All profits went to the charity, as Canine Partners receives no government funding and relies solely on public donations.
This is an annual event organized by Draycott Nursing and Care (leading private nursing and home care agency) in aid of Canine Partners, for four years now. During the service, Angela Hamlin founder of Draycott Nursing was presented with posies by canine partner Hamlin, who she sponsored. More images of the service via Zimbio & Canine Partners' Facebook feed. For full album click here.
Canine Partners is a charity (founded in 1990) that assists disabled people to enjoy greater independence and a better quality of life through the help of specially trained dogs. Dogs are trained to do tasks such as: opening and shutting doors, unloading the washing machine, picking up dropped items, pressing buttons and switches and getting help in an emergency. Dogs are trained for the disabled with even the most complex conditions including members of HM Armed Forces.
At this video you can see how canine partners change the lives of their partners. They not only help with everyday tasks, but bring sort of security, self-esteem and unconditional love. The cost of a canine partner is 20.000 pounds from selection as a puppy through to the end of his working life. However the cost of independence is priceless. Especially that there are more than 1.2 million people in the UK in need of such partner.
I was very happy to see The Countess of Wessex at the event, where animals are so crucial. My home was always filled with animals, currently I live with my cat Pola, parrot Winston and thousands of fishes. Not kidding. My father has an aquarium fishery... Not sure how to name it in English. And yes part of that is located at my apartment. Such things only in Poland!
I am ending my post with belated Happy Birthday to James, Viscount Severn, who turned 8 today! I hope he had a wonderful day, filled with Land Rovers!
Outfit & jewellery: UFO navy dress that debuted in NY. Possibly Prada. UFO earrings. Watch by Longines, I believe from "Le Grande Classic" collection. LK Bennett Belle boots. Louis VuittonNocturne GM Black Epi Leather Shoulder Bag. Sophie had it since 1999 or so.
Sophie attends very special Carol Service in aid of Canine Partners
Rating: 4.5
Diposkan Oleh: sho fia
0 comments:
Post a Comment