ASSISTANCE DOGS BOOST: Isabelle Lauder, pictured with support dog Peggy (Image: S L Photo and Film)
A schoolgirl whose family nurture the next generation of assistance dogs was surprised with a top honour after tackling Wales’ highest peak.
Isabelle Lauder, eight, thought she was going along to Support Dogs’ annual Graduation and Awards ceremony to see some of the life-changing assistance dogs she and her family have helped to care for graduates as successful partnerships alongside their humans.
But she was gobsmacked to hear her name called out as she was crowned Young Volunteer of the Year by the Sheffield-based charity, which trains and provides specialist assistance dogs to help autistic children, as well as adults with epilepsy or a physical disability, to live more safely and independently.
WELL-DESERVED RECOGNITION: Isabelle collecting her certificate and trophy (Image: S L Portraits)
In July, just two days after celebrating her eighth birthday, Isabelle, from Wombwell in Barnsley, scaled the 3,560ft Mount Snowdon with her dad Tom, raising almost £700 for the charity, which relies solely on voluntary donations.
Isabelle, Tom, her mum Fran and 10-year-old brother Oliver have been volunteer foster carers for the charity for three years, looking after its wonderdogs-in-training when they’re not at Support Dogs’ training centre.
Tom and Kings Oak Primary School pupil Isabelle decided to tackle the epic climb as part of the charity’s Super Summer Challenge.
EPIC CHALLENGE: Isabelle climbing up Snowdon on her challenge
Fran, 38, who works for South Yorkshire Police, told the audience at the glitzy awards bash at the Sandman Signature Sheffield Quays Hotel: “Doing the climb has been really good for Isabelle.
“She even printed out QR codes and got her teachers to sponsor her. Everybody in school knew about it.
“She was so passionate about it. It’s been memorable for our summer holidays and she kept on seeing herself in the newspaper as well.”
MOUNTAIN TREK: Isabelle pictured during the Snowdon challenge with dad Tom
Afterwards, dad Tom, a 41-year-old who has previously taken part in Support Dogs’ annual abseil and paddle-boarded the 23-mile length of Loch Ness for the charity, said:
“Isabelle is quite a tenacious girl and really keen to help. Her face was a picture when her name was announced.
“She’s taken her trophy into school to show everyone.
“We’ve always loved dogs and being foster carers is a good way for us to have a dog because we work in the day, while doing our bit for charity.”
PUPPY LOVE: Isabelle with 10-year-old brother Oliver and support dog Buster (Image: S L Photo and Film)
The family have looked after loveable Labs Spot, Buster and Peggy, who are now fully-qualified autism assistance dogs, and Frank, another fully-fledged autism assistance dog who has recently graduated and was honoured amongst Support Dogs’ Class of ’25 during the ceremony.
The Lauders are currently looking after Stardust, nicknamed ‘Dusty’, who is still in training.
To find out more about the incredible work of Support Dogs, please visit www.supportdogs.org.uk or call 0114 2617800.
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire