Armed with posters, leaflets, collecting tins and two dogs, Allen was welcomed by more than 40 Aquila staff when he visited their offices in Whiteley, Nr Fareham.
After suffering a traumatic head injury in 1991, whilst serving in the British Navy during the tail end of operation desert storm, Allen was hospitalised for 5 years. Allen’s injuries were severe. So much so that during his recovery he lost his short -term memory and had no recollection of his wife, Sandra, or his children.
Thankfully, and purely by chance, things were to take a turn for the better when, after years of rehabilitation, Allen met an assistant dog named Endal. Not only did Endal complete everyday tasks for Allen, the highly trained dog also improved Allen’s mental health and really brought him out of himself, giving him a new focus and sense of purpose.
Based on his own experience, Allen quickly understood the benefits a dog like Endal could bring to others with severe injuries and set about ensuring other wounded service men and women could have the same opportunity, and hence Hounds for Heroes was born.
Training dogs like Endal is expensive but the team at Aquila are determined to help raise as much money as they can to make sure there are more Hounds for Heroes to provide much needed support our incredible military men and women.
Since Allen’s visit a fundraising events calendar has been developed where all staff can get involved in events such as quiz nights, skittles evening, tough mudder run and a military band event.
For more information about Hounds for Heroes, click here.
