Peddling to save working dogs
Steve Blakemore comes across as a regular guy. He works as an Operational Support Manager for 1st Reaction Security Ltd and has a normal family life. So it came as a bit of a surprise when he volunteered out of the blue to cycle around Pitsford Reservoir to raise money for the company’s chosen charity for 2013, Bravo Working Dog Rescue Centre. Particularly when his work colleagues knew that he hadn’t been on a bike for years!
Steve said: ‘Each year, 1st Reaction Security chooses a good cause to raise money for and this year, Bravo Working Dog Rescue Centre is the one we’ve picked to support.
“On the 16th of July starting at 0600, I am attempting to complete a minimum of 30 laps cycling around Pitsford Reservoir in Northampton, which is approximately 200 miles. This is going to be difficult for me to do for a number of reasons: I’m not a fitness freak and I tend to prefer four wheels rather than two.”
“So whilst I am making sacrifices to help raise money for Bravo, I hope that my friends, family and colleagues support me by putting their hands in their pockets and donating to show their appreciation for the efforts that I’m making.”
Bravo Working Dog Rescue Centre was launched last year by animal behaviourist, Debbie Connolly. The centre specialises in rehoming working dogs who have not passed their training courses, working dogs who are due to retire and need a family home or pets who find it difficult to live in a family home but who would suit a working life.
Debbie said: “What Steve is doing through 1st Reaction Security to help raise money for Bravo is absolutely fantastic. There are many dogs out there that don’t quite make the grade for working, some are rejected during training and some are due to retire but have nowhere to go. Whilst many dogs stay with their handler in retirement, some don’t and need retraining to make them safe to live as a pet.
“I am being asked to help more and more of these dogs and so I need to set up a bigger centre with more kennels. The money that will be raised through Steve’s efforts will be a tremendous help and we are really grateful for the support.”
To date, Steve has raised £1200 worth of sponsorship and plans to achieve a great deal more. If anyone is interested in sponsoring Steve and supporting Bravo Working Dog Rescue Centre, you can contact them on 0208 144 5799, visit www.bwdr.co.uk or email info@bwdr.co.uk for more information.