Woolhampton’s charity triumph for medical detection dogs
Woolhampton residents recently came together to raise a whopping sum in support of a worthy cause.
More than 50 people gathered at Woohampton Village Hall on Saturday, April 22, to raise funds and awareness for Medical Detection Dogs (MDD), a charity training dogs to detect the odour of human disease to develop a faster diagnosis and save patient lives.
Donations reached a total of £1,800, a marked increase from the £500 secured at the village’s charity quiz night held last November.
Organised by Harriet and Stéphanie Molloy and Jacqui Mison, the evening coincided with the Newbury races and proved a resounding success, being enjoyed by all.
“We had about 50 people come, and had a lot of friends and other local people who donated,” said Harriet Molloy.
“Those who couldn’t be there offered to advertise it and entered the raffle as well.
“We raised about £800 on the night and then donations around that, and it all added up to about £1,800. It was fantastic.”
Miss Molloy experiences seizures herself.
Her dog, Anna, has been training with the charity for almost a year now to alert her before her seizures materialise so she can make herself safe.
“It’s a charity that’s very important to me, which is why I wanted to do it,” she added.
“MDD is helping me train her to be comfortable in public spaces and become accredited to the high standard of Assistance Dogs UK.
“This means she can go everywhere with me, giving me invaluable independence.
“It costs £30,000 to fully train a medical detection dog, so this money we’ve raised will go to good use, helping other people like me.”
Mr T’s Discos and Race Nights ran the evening.
Guests brought along their own food and drinks, and a selection of fantastic raffle prizes were provided by The Rowbarge, Renegade Brewery, Artisan Handmade, Fiona Cue Photography, Isabel’s Retro, Between the Lines, 66 North and Serve Sports.
They hope to organise another charity quiz later in the year at The Rowbarge. More details to follow.
Please visit https://www.medicaldetectiondogs.org.uk/giving/ to support the charity.
