DEDICATED fundraisers George and Emily Elliott are set to pound the streets of Reading to raise money for Canine Partners.

Siblings George and Emily, from Wayford, near Crewkerne, will complete 13.1 miles in the Reading Half Marathon on March 22 and hope to raise £300 between them.

Canine Partners trains dogs to help with everyday tasks they would otherwise find difficult, painful or impossible, including opening doors, undressing, pressing buttons and emergency response.

The dogs increase independence, confidence and provide companionship Trainee dental nurse Emily, 18, said: “From watching the Canine Partners videos online and hearing about what tasks the dogs can do, it’s easy to see how they really transform lives, so supporting this charity was a no brainer. It’s also an opportunity to get back into running.”

George, 23, said: “After suffering a stroke in her later years our late grandma was left disabled, which really restricted her independence.

I like to think that if she had the opportunity to have a canine partner it would have made the world of difference. That’s why I’m running.”

Canine Partners chief executive Andy Cook, who is also running the event, said: “This is a special event not only because it falls in our 25th anniversary year at Canine Partners but because it is the first time we have had more than 100 runners taking part.

“We receive no government funding and rely solely on donations, so every penny that is raised will go towards training our assistance dogs and transforming the lives of those with physical disabilities.”

To give visit justgiving.

com/George-Elliott1 and just giving.com/Emily-Elliott1.

For more information about Canine Partners visit caninepartners.

org.uk or call 01730-716013.