Businesses in Greater Manchester have the chance to find out more about a small charity that trains assistance dogs to transform the lives of people with serious medical conditions.

Support Dogs wants to build its profile to businesses in the area and gain their support to develop corporate partnerships.

The national charity, which trains assistance dogs for children with autism and adults with epilepsy and physical disability, is holding a charity showcase reception at the Hilton Hotel in Deansgate on Friday July 20.

The event, aimed at businesses and companies, will offer an opportunity to meet the Support Dogs’ team, trainers and see some of its dogs in action, as well as listening to the moving stories of two local clients.

Lynn Ratcliffe from Stockport has had epilepsy since 1998, and relies on her assistance to dog Simba to give her a 100% reliable warning 24 minutes in advance of an oncoming seizure, enabling her to get to a safe place.

“Simba has given me my life back, and is truly amazing at his job,” she said. “Having a seizure alert dog doesn’t just mean independence, privacy and assurance for me; it has a life-changing impact on all my family, as they know I am safe.”

Ex-Marine Stephen Greenhalgh from Bolton, who has been  paralysed from the chest down for the past 28 years following a diving accident, relies on his disability assistance dog Crumble to help him  with everyday tasks around the home, helping him to  live independently, and  making sure he goes out for twice daily walks. “Crumble is with me 24/7 and has made a massive difference to my life,” he said.

Danny Anderson, fundraising manager for the Sheffield-based national charity added:” We’re a small charity that makes a big difference to the lives of people with serious medical conditions, thanks to our wonderful dogs.

“We have far more requests for help from individuals and families in need than we can currently deal with, and are as we rely entirely on public donations to fund our vital work, are constantly looking to expand  our corporate support base beyond South Yorkshire.”

The Support Dogs’ Charity Showcase Reception runs from 12.30-2.30pm on July 20, and drinks and canapes will be served. RSVP to Danny Anderson on [email protected]