Newfoundland rescue mission for Guide Dogs raises £12,000 plus

£12,000 was raised for Guide Dogs on Thursday and Friday July 8th and 9th through fundraising with a splash, in London Docklands - when participants were rescued from the Thames by 14-stone Newfoundland dogs - and more money is still coming in.

The participants were a mixture of Guide Dogs staff, volunteers and business men from the surrounding companies.  There were also some keen Newfoundland dog fans that came along to jump. Guide Dogs would like to thank Newfound Friends and all at the Docklands Scout project.  Jim Fitzpatrick, the MP for Tower Hamlets attended to lend support and those who braved the waters of the Thames ranged from the ages of 15 to their 60s.  Thames Division police officers also jumped in to be rescued.

Guide Dogs disabled office volunteer Danny Day who is a wheelchair user said: “Jumping into the River Thames made feel that I wasn't disabled anymore! It made me feel that I was part of the team or someone able-bodied.  I can't really describe it, and it was unbelievable, exciting, and brilliant and if it wasn't for me volunteering at Guide Dogs then I would never have had the chance to do something like this and I thank everyone at Guide Dogs for giving me the chance. What a brilliant organisation to be a part of. "

The Newfoundland rescue dogs had their paws at the ready as ‘volunteers’ threw themselves into the water, to experience the life-saving qualities of the giant , shaggy canines.

Newfound Friends, founded in 1990 to support charities with their displays and sponsored rescues, supported the event.

The event was covered by Evening Standard reporter Peter Dominiczak who gives his first hand account of being rescued by one of the dogs himself. Read Peters story.