A SELL-OUT presentation by Canine Partners, one of Haslemere Mayor Malcolm Carter’s nominated charities, raised just under £3,500 for the cause.

The mayor and mayoress Sandie Carter joined Canine Partners, and sponsors Christopher and Carmen Ashton-Jones, for a successful fundraiser at Haslemere Museum.

Tickets for the evening, which featured a presentation on the charity’s work and an assistance dog demonstration, sold out. Guest speaker Jon Flint, gave a moving account of his experience of living with disability and the huge impact Jester has had in improving his quality of life.

Canine Partners volunteers Sue and Andy Simms said: “We have worked with the charity for a number of years and seen first hand, the fantastic service the charity provides for people living with disability. We are thrilled and very grateful for such amazing support.

Canine Partners was founded to help transform the lives of people living with physical disabilities by partnering them with assistance dogs.

The specially trained dogs enable them to enjoy greater independence and a better quality of life, offering security, companionship and practical help with everyday household tasks. They also provide psychological and social benefits, including increased independence, confidence, social interaction and self-esteem.

Canine Partners fundraiser Jenny Dwyer-Ward, said: “We are enormously grateful to the people from Haslemere for their fantastic support on the evening, raising almost £3,500,”

“This is a significant amount that will help to enable us to continue our work in partnering amazing assistance dogs with people with disabilities”

The charity based in Heyshott, West Sussex, relies solely on public donations.