Supporters of an assistance dogs charity geared up to cycle more than 50 miles across the South Downs.

This year’s Pedal for Paws South fundraiser in aid of Canine Partners is on track to hit the £5,000 mark – enough to purchase and train a puppy.

The charity trains assistance dogs to transform the lives of disabled people across the UK, boosting their confidence and independence.

The dogs are taught a range of everyday tasks, including picking up and retrieving items, opening doors and undressing a person. They can even help to load and unload a washing machine and they can fetch help in an emergency.

More than 50 cyclists took part in the event and although the funds raised are still being counted, Helen Watkinson, head of community and national fundraising, is hopeful the £5,000 target has been reached.

She said: “Events like Pedal for Paws are so important for us to raise funds and awareness of Canine Partners in the area surrounding our Southern Training Centre near Midhurst, West Sussex. Existing and new supporters were able to take part in the exciting challenge and experience the incredible views of the South Downs, while raising vital funds for the charity.”

SAP UK, a corporate supporter of Canine Partners, saw the cycling event as an opportunity to put together its own team of 18 people of all ages and capabilities.

Company pre-sales manager Amanda Gardiner said: “After running a half-marathon earlier this year and personally raising £890, I decided my next challenge would be to get my fellow SAP UK colleagues to join a team to raise more awareness and money for Canine Partners. It’s a great chance to build team relationships.”

High-profile Canine Partners supporters include The Queen, who visited the centre just under a year ago as part of a tour of West Sussex, to come and see the work that its amazing dogs can do, as well as unveil a special plaque to commemorate a total of 750 partnerships between human and canine partner since the charity was founded in 1990.

Canine Partners receives no government funding and is wholly dependent on public donations and legacies.

The dogs are carefully matched to the applicant’s needs and lifestyle, no matter how challenging.

The charity is working in partnership with Help for Heroes, and aims to train dogs to meet the needs of people with even the most complex disabilities including members of the Armed Forces wounded in battle.

A canine partner also brings companionship, a sense of security and increases social interaction.

•Find out more by going to www.caninepartners.org.uk/challenges