CITY fund-raisers took the opportunity to paws for thought last week, when they helped raised money for an important charity. More than �200 was raised for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People at a special coffee morning held at the Cathedral Centre on Thursda

CITY fund-raisers took the opportunity to "paws" for thought last week, when they helped raised money for an important charity.

More than �200 was raised for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People at a special coffee morning held at the Cathedral Centre on Thursday.

The Ely branch of the national charity invited city residents to enjoy a coffee and piece of cake and raise vital funds and awareness of their invaluable work.

It was also the ideal opportunity to celebrate the birthday of one very special member of the Ely community. Scampi, who is a well-known hearing dog in the city, celebrated his 14th birthday with owner Jean Lawrence and pals Flynn, Todd and Cole, who help deaf people in Witchford, Haddenham and Downham Market.

Gill Yeates is regional fundraiser for Hearing Dogs in East Anglia and is based in Ely.

She said: "We had a fabulous day. Everyone had a great time and we raised more than �200.

"We'd like to say a big thank you to the Ely Standard and everyone who has given us their help and support."

She highlighted the difficulty faced by the charity, which does not receive funding from the Government.

Mrs Yeates said: "There are around 650,000 people in the UK who could benefit from a hearing dog. In East Anglia, we have just 90 dogs. That is an enormous gulf. People are not aware of our charity and we just don't get the dogs coming through."

For more information about the charity go to www.hearingdogs.org.uk.

Pic cap: 3961HD0609. Scampi the hearing dog with his owner Jean Lawrence.

Photo: HELEN DRAKE.