By Press Release
Ability Dogs 4 Young People IW is thrilled to announce that Carol Court, the dedicated CEO of the Charity, is a Finalists for a prestigious BBC Make a Difference Award. This recognition highlights Carol’s exceptional commitment and outstanding contributions to the community over the past 12 years.
Carol Court, CEO of Ability Dogs 4 Young People IW says: “I am honoured and humbled to have been selected as one of only four finalists for the BBC Make a Difference Animal Award, one of thirty-two finalists across eight categories. However, I must pass on all the credit to the Team who have supported me every step of the way. The Volunteers, some of whom have supported from the
Charity’s formation, give immeasurable time and dedication to support the Charity and for that I am eternally grateful. The Team work across the Charity; with the dogs and puppies, fundraising and raising awareness. A specialist team support the recipients through every step of their journey with their Ability Dog and without them, we would not be able to function.”
Since its foundation in April 2012, Carol has played a pivotal role in shaping the development and success of Ability Dogs 4 Young People IW. Through her unwavering dedication, more than 50 specially trained Ability Dogs have enhanced the lives of countless young people with disabilities on the Isle of Wight. The Ability Dogs provided by the Charity offer vital practical and emotional support to children and young adults facing mental and physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism, diabetes, epilepsy and anxiety. Carol and her team meticulously match each dog to the specific needs of each individual on the Charity’s ever-growing waiting list, ensuring a tailored and effective support system.
Carol Court says: “I pass on all of the credit to the Ability Dogs. They, all of them, have changed lives. They have made a difference. Some have made a huge positive impact from the start, and others have made small changes along the way. I always say, I train the dogs to do the ‘easy bit;’ to be well-behaved, to sit when asked and to be friendly. I can train them how to do the task work, like fetching medicines and pushing buttons for the lift. But the Ability Dogs do the rest themselves, they do the hard bit. They know when someone needs a cuddle of reassurance, they know when someone needs the diabetic kit fetching. They are truly the ones that make the difference – so I give all the credit to the Ability Dogs themselves.”
Carol’s finalist status for the BBC Make a Difference Award highlights her remarkable leadership and tireless efforts in making a positive impact on the community. Over the coming weeks, Ability Dogs 4 Young People will be shining a spotlight on Carol
and her extraordinary work through their social media platforms, sharing the incredible contributions she makes to the Island community. Highlighted first is recognition of the recently successful Ability Dogs Gala Weekend and Fun Dog Show event. This event provided the community with a unique opportunity to visit the charity’s headquarters, enjoy Ability Dog demonstrations, and purchase crafts from various stalls. Attendees also participated in engaging games and activities, making it a memorable celebration of community spirit and support for the charity’s mission.
This event signifies the start of a very busy events calendar for the charity where volunteers work tirelessly to raise vital funds for the charity’s ongoing commitments.
Carol’s nomination for the BBC Make a Difference Award is testament to her individual dedication and the hard work of the entire team of staff and volunteers at Ability Dogs 4 Young People IW. The charity extends its gratitude to Carol and everyone who supports its mission; to empower the lives of young people living with life challenging disabilities.