FOR LOVE OF DOGS: Jess Huckstepp with husband Tom
A Sheffield couple are literally taking fundraising to new heights to support the life-changing work of Support Dogs. Jess Huckstepp, 29, a physiotherapist, and her husband Tom, 29, a primary school teacher, are volunteering as foster carers for the charity’s assistance dogs.
Over the past three years, they have nurtured long-term dogs Millie, Jack, and Rowley, as well as short-term trainees Barnby, Derek, Skye, and Nix. To support the charity further, Jess has signed up for Support Dogs’ first-ever mass skydive day, despite never having jumped from a plane before.
“I’m absolutely terrified, but the charity means a lot to us and it seemed like the perfect opportunity,” she said. The couple have witnessed firsthand the incredible impact of the dogs.
Jack is now partnered with an autistic eight-year-old girl in Rotherham, while Rowley will soon move to a new foster family. Barnby graduated earlier this year as an epilepsy seizure alert dog.
Jess has already raised more than £1,000 in sponsorship ahead of the jump. Also taking part is Annabel Love, Support Dogs’ client services coordinator, who helps oversee the charity’s autism, epilepsy, and physical disability assistance programmes.
Annabel, who has raised around £370, said: “It’s really great to know the funds we raise will help future partnerships. You can see the huge difference the dogs make in everyone’s lives.”
Support Dogs provides specialist assistance dogs to help autistic children, as well as people living with epilepsy or physical disability, offering practical and emotional support that transforms family life.