CNC AFO attends national charity celebration
PC Ian Disbury, a dog handler from Dounreay, attended Countess Bathurst’s 60th birthday celebrations at her Cirencester estate last weekend.
Countess Bathurst and PC Ian Disbury.
Countess Bathurst founded the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals (NFRSA) to help those with retired dogs and horses from organisations including the police, fire & rescue, prison service, national crime agency, NHS, MOD Police, and border force services.
The nature of the training and jobs service animals perform during their working career can lead to injuries or other complications later in life. The NFRSA is a registered charity and works to alleviate the financial burden on the owners of retired service animals by helping to pay for medical and veterinary bills, ensuring the animals remain happy and healthy as they grow older.
Speaking about the event, Ian said: “I had the privilege of meeting service personnel and dogs from all the agencies. Countess Bathurst views all members of the NFRSA as family and that was exactly how it felt over the course of the event.
“The whole weekend was a success, so much so that Countess Bathurst is considering making it an annual event. This will help to raise awareness of the NFRSA and some much-needed funds for the charity.”
The NFRSA was happy to welcome Ian, highlighting his dedication as the guest who travelled the furthest to attend the event, and even recognised him as the ‘best-dressed’ attendee on account of his kilt!
Last year, Ian ran the Inverness half marathon in March and raised £900 for the NFRSA, a cause he’s proud to support.
For more information about the NFRSA, visit their website.