Life changing

Wagging tails all round for superstar Sophie

Brainy Dogs is a National Lottery funded project run by Headway Suffolk, that takes rescue dogs from Felixstowe Blue Cross who are then trained by prisoners to become companion dogs to people with a brain injury or neurological condition.

This unique partnership would not be possible without the Project Coordinator Sophie Wellum-Mayes. The National Lottery wanted to thank her for everything that she has done to change the lives of so many people (and dogs!), so with a little help from her friends, we planned a 'Big Surprise'.

Ready for her close-up

Sophie thought she was coming to judge a colouring competition at a local gallery, but she was barking up the wrong tree. We’d gathered together a few familiar faces and wagging tails who were waiting to surprise her and say thank you for everything that she has done to help pair dogs and owners and bring about so much friendship and support.

Through this National Lottery funded project, not only have offenders been given vocational training, but more than 70 dogs have been given a new start in life, providing much-needed companionship to people who, due to brain injury or neurological condition, may have experienced a personality change which has impacted their relationship with friends and family. All of this is made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Watch Sophie's reaction in the video above to our 'Big Surprise'.

30th August 2018

The National Lottery has been changing the lives of winners and supporting good causes across the UK since 1994. In that time, there have been more than 7,000 new millionaires created and by playing The National Lottery you raise over £4 million for Good Causes every dayΔ.

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