Jodie visits Dogs for the Disabled

Stars of TV and film are often reminded, never work with children and animals, but one celebrity has challenged the old adage after visiting charity Dogs for the Disabled's centre in Banbury, Oxfordshire.

Jodie Prenger, the winner of BBC's I'd Do Anything, visited the charity's National Training Centre after hearing about the charity's work through BBC Children in Need. The charity, which gives children with disabilities the chance to have a best friend and helper in the shape of four legs and a wagging tail, receives support from BBC Children in Need to help it continue its vital work.

Jodie said: "I was so excited to see these amazing dogs in action. I love dogs so much and so could instantly see how much difference they make to the lives of these children who face huge challenges everyday."

On her visit, Jodie was able to see all the work that goes into training an assistance dog. Jodie then met five of our children's partnerships and heard first-hand how the arrival of their assistance dogs transformed their lives. Zoe was paralysed following an operation on her spine, and was matched with Hattie, a chocolate Labrador, last year. Zoe said: "Now that I have Hatti people come and talk to me and ask about her. Hatti picks things up for me if I drop them and opens doors for me. Knowing that she is there gives me the confidence to try new things. She is one of my best friends."

Sarah Watson, communications manager at Dogs for the Disabled, said: "It was great to welcome Jodie and BBC Children in Need to our centre in Banbury and all the children thoroughly enjoyed their day and demonstrating to Jodie just what their dogs can do for them. The children we work with face many struggles every day so it was great to see them taking such pride in what their dogs can do. We have trained nearly fifty assistance dogs for children with disabilities but there are still many more who could be helped and every bit of support we receive can help us train more dogs for the people who need it most."

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