Hi, my name is Jade (I am Kingston's Mum) and I am fundraising to put my son Kingston's 11 month old Cavapoo (Rio) through assistance dog training. Kingston is Autistic, Dyslexic and has ARFID (an eating disorder which affects the quality and quantity of food that he eats). Kingston is also incredibly anxious, his anxiety impacts all areas of his life; friendships/play dates, travel, visiting the supermarket, sleep, eating and at times leaving the house, he has been unable to attend school full time since December 2023 .

Kingston's Nana has also become incredibly unwell in the last 12 months needing multiple physical and mental health admissions. Kingston's Nana was effectively his second parent and a huge source of support and comfort to Kingston since he was born. Kingston lives with his Nana and I, her absence over the last 12 months due to the decline in her health has left a huge space in his heart. Hence, my decision to get Kingston a puppy, after him asking for 4 years for a dog and a lot of research on my part, Rio joined our family and has been an immense source of support to Kingston. Rio has given Kingston a focus and an outlet for his energy joining me on walks.

Kingston and I spent many weeks going back and forth about names but decided on Rio as that is Kingston and his Nana's favourite film. It is also no coincidence that Rio was born on 24th March 2024 which was the day his Nana took her first dose of a new medication as advised by her GP which resulted in a severe adverse reaction and (I believe) ultimately caused the decline in her health. Its like Rio came into the universe knowing that Kingston was going to need his love and support moving forward.

I am hoping to raise £6500 which is the cost of getting Rio from a 5* breeder who gave him the most wonderful start to life and to put Rio through Paws assistance dog training. Rio and I are also taking part in a charity walk (walking 62km in March) to raise awareness for Dementia UK, an amazing charity and the work they do to support families like ours.

After a lot of uncertainty and back and forth about diagnosis, Kingston's Nana has been diagnosed with vascular depression which her medical team has said is highly likely to develop into vascular dementia. Rio's training can hopefully not only help Kingston with his anxiety but also provide a focus for his Nana on the path to some form of recovery and stability when she hopefully returns home with a care package of support.

Thank you for reading if you have got this far. Jade, Kingston and Rio

If you would also like to donate to Dementia UK you can do so by visiting this link https://fundraise.dementiauk.org/fundraisers/jademorrison