A DISABLED Dorset woman is urging people to have a Big Dogs Breakfast in aid of a charity close to her heart.

Dogs for the Disabled wants friends, families and colleagues to get together during May to hold an event of their own to raise money for the charity.

Wendy Morrell, from Broadstone, knows firsthand the invaluable support provided by Dogs for the Disabled.

She was diagnosed with chronic regional pain syndrome in her 20s.

Then, in 1989, when training to compete at the Barcelona Olympic Games, she was struck on the head by a discus, causing severe brain, facial and neck injuries.

Wendy, who now needs 24/7 care, has had two assistance dogs and is now paired with Udo, a golden retriever.

She said: “Udo helps with practical tasks like switching the lights on and off, emptying the washing machine, fetching a number of named items and importantly, he gives me a reason to get up in the morning.

“I lead a full and active life and much credit must go to Dogs for the Disabled.” she said “Without the support and mentoring from this amazing charity my life would be very different.”

Dogs for the Disabled wants people to organise a Big Dogs Breakfast to raise money to enable the charity to train more assistance dogs like Udo.

To find out more, visit the charity’s website at dogsforthedisabled.org/bigdogsbreakfast.