Harry Williams from Weymouth, along with Luis Parsons and Dean Parsons from Wimborne, will take on a 110-mile canoe and hiking expedition through western Scotland to raise funds for Helpful Hounds Assistance Dogs.
The journey begins on April 24, near Fort William and will span seven days across lochs and exposed coastline.
The challenge is being undertaken in memory of Jenson, a golden retriever who was closely connected to the Parsons family.
Harry Williams with the late Jenson the golden retriever. (Image: Helpful Hounds Assistance Dogs)
The team said: “Jenson brought joy to everyone he met.
“He was never formally trained, but he showed exactly what an assistance dog can be—calm, supportive and instinctively in tune with people.”
Jenson accompanied Luis Parsons during years working in the outdoor industry, helping people of all ages access adventure activities.
Their chosen charity, Helpful Hounds, also holds personal significance.
The three men have each worked at Weymouth College, where a trained support dog named Charity once provided assistance.
This experience inspired them to raise funds for the organisation.
Helpful Hounds Assistance Dogs trains dogs to help individuals build independence, confidence, and a better quality of life.
Each member of the trio brings extensive outdoor experience to the challenge.
Mr Williams has 10 years of experience in the outdoor industry, Mr Luis Parsons has 15 years, and Mr Dean Parsons is a landscape architect with a strong background in outdoor work.
Despite this, they anticipate tough conditions.
Mr Williams said: “This is going to be one of the toughest things we’ve ever done.
“The weather will be the hardest part—some sections are very exposed, so we’ll be relying on the right conditions to travel safely.”
The group has already raised over £500 and hopes their story will inspire further support from the Dorset community.
Jenson in Boat. (Image: Claire Pacariz)
Mr Williams said: “It’s for an incredible cause that makes a real difference to people’s lives.
“It also means a lot to do this in memory of someone very special.”
The team’s journey can be supported via their fundraising page at justgiving.com/campaign/charitycanoeadventure.
More information about Helpful Hounds and the work they do can be found at their website.
The charity can be contacted through Peter Rufus at 01202 591602 or by email at peter@helpfulhounds.org.uk.
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