Veterans’ dog charity is everyone’s favourite

The team behind a Scottish veterans’charity has been honoured as the nation’s favourite charity project in this year’s National Lottery Awards.

Bishopton-based Bravehound joined a star-studded audience including celebrities Kimberley Walsh, Martin Kemp, Richard Blackwood and Tamzin Outhwaite as they accepted their award at a gala event in London.

The project was recognised for its work using National Lottery funding to match dogs with veterans, and help them return to civilian life.

Many veterans face post-traumatic stress disorder, and the charity offers much-needed support and companionship to former members of the armed forces.

Fiona MacDonald, founder and director of Bravehound, said:“We want to thank everyone who voted for us in the National Lottery Awards.

“It’s the money raised by National Lottery players that has enabled us to establish Bravehound and to begin to support veterans through our wonderful dogs.

“It’s a huge honour to support those who have risked their lives to keep all of us safe, and we’re so grateful for this recognition.”

TV presenter and Strictly Come Dancing champion, Ore Oduba, who presented the event, said the National Lottery Awards celebrate the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects as voted for by the public.

He added:“They give deserved recognition to ordinary people who do extraordinary things with National Lottery funding.

“Their stories make you smile, they make you cry, but above all, if you play the National Lottery, they make you proud to have supported them”

Bravehound beat off six other challengers in a public vote to win the title. It will receive a £5,000 cash prize to spend on the project as well as a National Lottery Awards trophy.