Ball raises over £8,000 for disabled soldiers (From Watford Observer)
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Charity raises over £8,000 for disabled soldiers at Hounds for Heroes ball
10:22am Wednesday 13th February 2013 in News
By Ben Endley, Senior reporter
Urszula Gudiens with the charity’s founder Allen Parton and his assistance dog, Endal.
A charity ball held in Moor Park on Saturday has raised more than £8,000 for Hounds for Heroes.
The event, organised by Northwood resident Urszula Gudiens, was attended by the charity’s founder Allen Parton and his assistance dog, Endal.
The theme of the ball was Valentines Tuxedos and Tiaras, and 135 people were entertained by live music from The Herga Swing Band and Holy Joe’s Band over dinner.
Prime minister David Cameron sent a letter of support while local MPs Richard Harrington and David Gauke and Mayor of London, Boris Johnson all donated items to be auctioned.
Ms Gudiens, who works as a special needs teacher in Harrow, said: "The ball was amazing, just so wonderful.
"The whole thing raised around £8,000 and we also have a JustGiving page, we are hoping to raise £10,000 in total.
"A dog costs about £20,000 but they can follow 200 different commands and will change one person’s life and their family’s lives forever.
"What really brought it home for me was the story of a 24-year-old soldier, my son’s age, who had lost both his legs and an arm.
"There is so little help out there for them, it’s just not fair."
Hounds for Heroes provides specially trained assistance dogs to injured and disabled men and women of both the UK armed forces and civilian emergency services.
