STAFF at Horton Housing Association are running, swimming, cycling and walking 30,000 miles in aid of the Support Dogs charity.

In January the housing association set its staff the challenge to celebrate its 30th anniversary. For every mile completed, the organisation pledged to donate 10p to charity to a maximum of £3,000.

Staff chose Support Dogs as the beneficiary. The Yorkshire-based charity trains specialist assistance dogs to improve the independence and quality of life for people living with challenging medical conditions.

Epilepsy Seizure Alert Dogs help people with epilepsy by picking up physiological changes in their owner before they experience a seizure. They warn them up to 50 minutes before a seizure occurs.

Highly trained Autism Assistance Dogs help children with autism by being a calming presence in situations they find difficult, such as going out to busy public places. They reduce behavioural outbursts and keep the children safe, and also help improve their social skills by allowing families to enjoy trips.

Disability Assistance Dogs help people with disabilities live more independently by helping with tasks such as picking up objects, opening and closing doors and dressing and undressing. They help with social interaction, boosting their owners' confidence and self-esteem.

The £3,000 raised by Horton Housing will pay for 24-hour care and support for a support dog and its owner for 18 months.

Chief executive Paul Gartland said: “I am delighted that such a worthwhile cause will benefit from our 30,000 mile challenge. These dogs help to increase people’s independence, confidence and self esteem, which is very much at the heart of what we do as well.

“We are hoping to work closely with the charity throughout the year to organise some events for staff and clients and we hope the money raised will help the charity continue its excellent work.”

Support Dogs fundraising manager Danny Anderson said: “We're thrilled that Horton Housing has chosen to raise funds for our charity during their anniversary year. We're looking forward to seeing both feet and paws taking on the 30,000 mile challenge to raise vital funds and help more people to have their quality of life transformed by our charity.”

Horton Housing provides a range of housing support services across Bradford, Kirklees, Calderdale and North Yorkshire.

It specialises in support for vulnerable people struggling to find or maintain permanent accommodation for reasons such as substance misuse, poor physical or mental health, financial or social issues.

A programme of events is planned to celebrate 30 years since Horton Housing Association was officially registered as an ‘industrial and provident society’. Over the past three decades its range of services have expanded and continue to grow.

* For more about Support Dogs visit supportdogs.org.uk