Chairman raises £5,000 to purchase and train assistance dog

Outgoing South Cambridgeshire District Council chairman, Cllr Sue Ellington, completed two years in office today by announcing that a staggering £5,000 has been raised to buy and train an assistance dog for her chosen charity Dogs for Good.

The money was raised through a variety of charity events, including cake sales, quizzes and raffles. Among the fundraisers, Cllr Ellington held a naming competition for the new Council-sponsored puppy. The name, Hope, was adopted and staff have followed her progress through training and development to become a fully-fledged assistance dog who will go on to support adults and children with a range of disabilities, giving them practical support and greater independence.

Cllr Sue Ellington said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Chairman, meeting so many people across our wonderful district. From my first engagement in 2015 at the Cambridge American Cemetry for a Memorial Day Ceremony, to the Queen’s Reception at Buckingham Palace to opening our annual Parklife event at Milton Country Park, it has been a pleasure and an honour to represent this Council.”

“I’m thrilled at how much money we have raised for Dogs for Good in my two-year tenure thanks to the generosity of council staff and members. It has been great to see so many people getting involved in our fundraising activities and taking so much enjoyment from watching puppy Hope grow into a fully-fledged assistance dog.”

Peter Gorbing, Chief Executive of Dogs for Good, said: “Dogs for Good makes life changing differences for people with disabilities through the help of a trained dog and our thanks go to Cllr Ellington for choosing to support the charity. We’re passionate about our work and the money that the Council has donated has enabled us to bring more dogs and people together.”

Bassingbourn ward councillor, Cllr David McCraith, has been elected new chairman for 2017/18 with Willingham and Over ward councillor, Cllr Brian Burling, elected vice chairman.

Receiving the chains of office, Cllr McCraith said: “It is a privilege to take up the post of chairman from Cllr Ellington, who I have enjoyed working beside as vice-chair over the last two years. I look forward to continuing Sue’s efforts and to meeting the residents, groups, charities and businesses that make South Cambridgeshire the great place that it is to live and work in.”

Cllr McCraith has chosen Citizen Advice Bureau (CAB) Cambridge & District Citizens Advice, Macmillan (Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire division) and Air Training Corps 2484 (Bassingbourn) Squadron & (Cambourne) Detached Flight as his nominated charities.