Pet therapy volunteer recognised for ‘invaluable’ work in the community 

A volunteer for the charity Pets As Therapy has been named as this year’s Roger Coupe Star Volunteer, following a public vote.

Jane Griffiths was nominated by her area coordinator Patricia Bland at the charity for her enthusiasm and extensive work in the community.

Since joining Pets As Therapy in 2015 with her Briard dog, Teddie, Jane has been very involved and incredibly active within the charity. Visiting St Joseph’s Specialist School and College in Cranleigh on a weekly basis, Jane helps the children develop their literacy skills through the charity’s Read2Dogs scheme, in which children practise reading out loud to Teddie.

She also regularly visits a brain injury rehabilitation centre in Slinfold, near Horsham, where she and Teddie interact with the residents in order to aid their recovery. Jane can be found helping out at some of the many local events organised by the charity, and has plans to start visiting patients at a cancer treatment centre in Guildford in the not too distant future.

Patricia, said of Jane that “her enthusiasm and commitment know no bounds”, and that she is an “excellent ambassador for the charity.”

Jane was presented with a personalised hamper by partner James Britton at the Roger Coupe office on Cranleigh High Street. Teddie also received a collection of special treats that were donated by Pets Corner in Horsham.   She said: “It’s so nice to be recognised like this with an award and I’m very grateful to the public for voting for me. I really do have to thank my colleagues at Pets As Therapy and my good friend Teddie, because without them I wouldn’t be able to do any of this.

“I find volunteering extremely rewarding, and it makes me really happy to see children and patients reacting so positively when I visit with Teddie. It’s a real privilege. I love getting involved with my community, and I believe it makes a real difference – that’s what motivates me to work with and support the charity as much as I do.”

Reflecting on the awards, James said: “Time and again, the Star Awards prove that those who go the extra mile for their communities are noticed and people are eager to celebrate them. Community is an important part of our ethos at Roger Coupe and so we are pleased to be able to shine the spotlight on these extraordinary people.

“Once again, we would like to thank everyone that nominated somebody for the award and everyone that voted for the finalists. It was great to read about all the amazing volunteers around the Cranleigh area and they can all be very proud. We were delighted to present the award to Jane and Teddie and we hope they continue their invaluable work.”