Television presenter and broadcaster Anthea Turner has backed Paws for a Cause, a campaign supporting the charity Support Dogs.
Ms Turner, one of the most recognisable television faces of the 1990s and 2000s, has presented some of the UK’s best-known programmes, including Blue Peter, GMTV and the National Lottery.
She was recently honoured to be a judge for the BBC’s Make a Difference Awards, representing her home town Stoke on Trent.
Ms Turner said: “I was given one of the most difficult categories to judge which was The Animal Awards however, when I read about the work of Faith Windsor and her assistance dog Ember it became so much easier.
“Ember supports Faith daily in all environments by helping her access different opportunities, applying deep pressure therapy by leaning on Faith when she is struggling with anxiety and sensory overload.”
Faith Windsor with her assistance dog Ember (right)
Ember will alert Faith to medical fainting episodes by pawing and licking her to get her to sit down or take her hand gently in her mouth to move Faith to a quiet, safe space and alert Faith’s Mum when she is unwell.
Ms Turner added: “For me Faith was an outright winner and a wonderful ambassador for how a person’s life can be enhanced by a loving empathetic clever dog”
Ms Turner was recently awarded a Gold Blue Peter Badge, more than 30 years after her time on the programme, in recognition of her long-standing contribution to children’s television and the inspiration she gave to young viewers.
She has also supported animal welfare charities, including donating personal items to the PDSA to help raise funds for its veterinary work.
The 360Wire-backed campaign aims to raise £1,000 for 10 autistic children to meet a support dog, secure 15 sponsors for autism assistance dog Peggy, and recruit 10 puppy socialisers.
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