Our final Ambassadog winners have been chosen
We are delighted to announce the remaining Ambassadog winners for Sue Ryder Neurological Care Centre Lancashire, Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice and Sue Ryder South Oxfordshire Palliative Care Hub. In partnership with Pets As Therapy, these 'top dogs' will carry out important duties at their centres, spreading the love and providing support for residents.
Cwtch, Henry and Lottie are our final paw-fect companions of the 10 fur-bulous Ambassasdogs who have been announced as winners and will carry out vital duties at each of Sue Ryder’s neurological care centres, hospices, and palliative care hubs across the UK when restrictions allow.
Each Ambassadog will work with Sue Ryder to spread love and support to those who need it most. For people living with a terminal diagnosis, complex neurological condition or acquired brain injury, Sue Ryder believes that the unconditional love of a dog can provide companionship, relieve stress and bring joy, even through the most difficult times.
The Ambassadog winners were selected by a panel of dog-loving celebrity judges, including presenter Kaye Adams, actress Carley Stenson, TV presenter Richard Arnold and author Emily Dean, as well as expert judge, Matthew Robinson from Pets As Therapy and Heidi Travis, Chief Executive of Sue Ryder.
Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub South Oxfordshire's winner - Jan Williams and her dog, Cwtch
“Cwtch is the Welsh word for 'cuddle' and she certainly lives up to the name! She loves a tummy tickle and she’s very calm, gentle and loving. I’ve wanted to train her as a therapy dog for a while, so when I heard that Sue Ryder were looking for Ambassadogs I jumped at the chance to apply. She’s such an affectionate dog and I think she’ll be well suited to this kind of work.”
Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice's winner - Pete Nason and his dog, Henry
“My wife received care at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice four years ago and Henry and I regularly visited. Henry was with me at the hospice the night my wife died. The care Sue Ryder gave really helped us, and I wanted to give something back.
“Henry was rescued from Ireland. He is such a quiet boy and so laid back. We're looking forward to walking around the hospice and meeting people. Henry knows the hospice well, so I know he will be fine. Henry is used to wearing coats too. In fact, he has more than me! He has a coat for winter, rain and the sun and now he'll proudly wear a coat saying ‘PAT Dog’, too.”
Sue Ryder Neurological Care Centre Lancashire's winner - Maiya and her dog, Lottie
“I was a patient at Sue Ryder Neurological Care Centre Lancashire for three and a half months in 2020. Lottie, my beautiful Cockapoo, was allowed to visit me a few times whilst I was there and she was adored by all patients and staff alike - particularly on her Santa Paws visit just before Christmas, where she went round saying hello to everyone. She loves cuddles and is adored by all who know her.”
Bringing happiness to the people we care for
Each Ambassadog has been assessed to make sure they fit the Pets As Therapy temperament assessment and are sociable, friendly, calm and gentle enough to work with Sue Ryder’s patients. Each owner of the Ambassadogs is DBS checked and undertakes volunteer training before visiting a Sue Ryder service.
Heidi Travis, Chief Executive at Sue Ryder, said:
“Congratulations to the winners of our Ambassadog search! Pet therapy is a fantastic way to reduce stress and bring happiness to the people that use our end of life and neurological care services. We are all extremely excited to be able to welcome back our new Ambassadogs once the government announces that it is safe to do so.”
Interested in volunteering?
As a Sue Ryder volunteer you’ll have the opportunity to feel connected, kickstart your career, share your skills and help your local community. We have a range of roles available across the UK in our shops, hospices, neurological centres and online.