Adam Henson, BBC Countryfile presenter and one of the UK’s best-known farmers, has backed Paws for a Cause, a campaign in aid of Support Dogs.
Mr Henson said: “A dog’s sense of smell is extraordinary; they say it’s the equivalent of being able to sense a tablespoon full of sugar in an Olympic-sized pool.
“To be able to smell people who are about to have an epileptic seizure or identify prostate cancer from vials of urine on a table is unbelievable.”
Alongside presenting BBC’s Countryfile since 2001, Mr Henson runs the Cotswold Farm Park in Gloucestershire, where he works with more than 50 rare and native farm-animal breeds.
He added: “It’s a pity we don’t have the resources within our own government to supply organisations like Support Dogs with the tools they need because it’s alleviating problems from the National Health Service or our social services.
‘We have an amazing bond with dogs, and every day I wake up and come downstairs I’m always greeted by three wagging tails with three adorable, loving dogs. If I’ve had a tough day at work, I come in and there they are, and that’s really good for my wellbeing.”
Following the success of his first children’s book, A Year on Adam’s Farm, Mr Henson has recently written his second book, Curious Questions from Adam’s Farm, answering some of the most interesting questions children have about farming.
He has also recently released Two for Joy, a lyrical tribute to the healing powers of the countryside, and Christmas on the Farm, a warm and engaging portrait of life on the farm at Christmas.
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 have 10 people register interest as puppy socialisers.
For more information and updates, visit here.