NOAH has announced that Sheffield-based Support Dogs has been nominated as its charity for the coming year.

Support Dogs is a national assistance dog charity, dedicated to transforming the lives of children with autism and adults with epilepsy and physical disabilities, enabling them to lead fuller, more independent lives.

NOAH chief executive Dawn Howard said: “Animals truly enhance our lives and we are really pleased to be supporting the work of Support Dogs this year. The work they do makes a real difference and we are pleased to help these relationships thrive. This bond benefits not only people, but their animals as well. All these animals deserve our very best care and to be kept in the best possible health.

“The medicines and vaccines researched, developed and marketed by NOAH members provide safe and effective care for our companion animals to enable them to enjoy life to the full and carry out their work in society and as pets as well.

“We are so pleased that the proceeds of the NOAH Dinner prize draw, taking place on 1 November, will be our first contribution to this fantastic charity.”

The charity trained one of the UK’s first-ever autism assistance dog partnerships, whilst its epilepsy seizure alert programme, giving clients a 100% reliable up to 50 minute warning before a seizure, is still unique in the world. Support Dogs does not have its own breeding programme so many dogs come to the charity as unwanted pets or from rescue centres.

Rita Howson, chief executive at Support Dogs added: “We’re absolutely delighted that NOAH has decided to make us their charity of the year. We rely entirely on voluntary donations to fund our work and we are currently experiencing a massive increase in demand, so this support is hugely appreciated.”