WE were pleased to welcome our speaker, Kath Hancock of Sedgeberrow, at our meeting on Thursday, September 4, to tell us about the charity, Dogs for the Disabled.

An outstanding former athlete and asthma sufferer, Kath is now wheelchair bound after falling down stairs and fracturing her spine. She was accompanied by her best friend Gilbert, an eight year old golden Labrador.

Kath explained how Dogs for the Disabled, based in Banbury, was set up in 1986 to help people with physical disabilities. The dogs begin their working lives when they are six weeks old and are specially selected and trained for up to two years. All the dogs are carefully matched to each person and Kath had to wait over two years to get Gilbert. He is able to do a huge variety of quite difficult tasks, including picking up mobile phones and TV remote controls, opening and closing doors and recognising sign language. Gilbert amazed us by showing us how he pulls Kath’s socks off and is able to undress her as well, although he didn’t demonstrate that! He can also put washing into the machine, and take it out, and even loads the tumble dryer. Kath explained that he has a very soft mouth and doesn’t slobber or bite any of the items. He also only eats dog food and doesn’t do the usual dog thing of begging for scraps.

However, although Gilbert is clearly a star, we were struck by Kath’s very positive attitude and determination – not just can do, but very definitely will do. This approach is clearly why she became such a talented athlete.

Cliff Blackborrow thanked Kath for an illuminating and fascinating presentation, and we stood to applaud her, and Gilbert!

We meet every Thursday morning at the Ecgwins Private Members Club in Evesham. New members are always welcome.

CHRIS DONOUGH