AWARDS NIGHT PUTS DOGS FUND ON THE RIGHT TRACK

We’re delighted to share the news that guests at the 20th National Rail Awards raised more than £6000 for the Railway Dogs Benevolent Fund.

The Fund was established to support dogs who have completed their service with British Transport Police (BTP). It will provide grants towards the cost of their care, including ongoing medical treatment.

Trustee of the Fund, Adrian Hanstock (Deputy Chief Constable of BTP) and the Fund’s Ambassador, the actress Debbie Arnold, explained to the audience that it can be impossible to secure medical cover for retired police dogs, leaving their owners facing large bills for treatment and medication.

They were joined on stage by police puppies including Boris and Daisy before Police Dog Scooby demonstrated his detection skills. Several rail executives were invited to line up on stage and one willing volunteer – Mr Andrew Haines, CEO of Network Rail - was planted with material used in police training. Scooby made his way along the line, quickly indicating he had found what he was looking for and received his reward: a tennis ball.

Last on stage were PC Phil Healy and Retired Police Dog Mojo, who searched for explosives in the aftermath of the Manchester Arena terror attack. Phil, a familiar face to many in the room, explained that Mojo had returned to his old self following the incident and was now enjoying his retirement.  

During the evening guests gave generously and raised £6085 for the Railway Dogs Benevolent Fund. That total is set to rise as donations continue to come in.

Adrian Hanstock said: “This is a fantastic start for a very new fund. We were overwhelmed by the support and love shown to our dogs and enthusiasm with which people donated.”

“Thank you to everyone who gave. This money will help us to ensure that, after years spent working so hard to protect us all, these animals will have happy and healthy retirements.”