The Sudbury woman behind a charity supplying wheelchairs to dogs with disabilities has been named one of 28 people to win a British Citizen Award this year.
Rachel Wettner launched Winston's Wheels charity in 2020 after her own journey caring for her late Staffordshire bull terrier Winston.
In 2017, at the age of nine, Winston began showing signs of a more pronounced swagger, which led to the diagnosis of a tumour and the loss of use in his hind legs.
Ms Wettner was given a specialist wheelchair for Winston to use which inspired her to 'pay it forward' and begin her own fundraising.
More than 600 wheelchairs and 60 strollers have been purchased to enable Winston's Wheels to help over 1000 pets all over the UK and Northern Ireland.
Ms Wettner, who also works part-time as a learning mentor for young adults with learning difficulties, said: "Someone lent Winston a wheelchair when he lost the use of his hind legs and we wanted to pay it back really, as his legacy now he is no longer with us.
"Many people come to us not knowing anything about dog wheelchairs and we're able to make it easier for them.
"I always show pictures of Winston when people come to me to see what chair they want.
"He has changed my life so much now and certainly made me a lot busier."
The British Citizen Award, also known as The People’s Honours and in partnership with One Stop, is now in its tenth year.
Rachel will be recognised at the Palace of Westminster on January 18 and honoured with The British Citizen Award for Services to Volunteering & Charitable Giving.
Ms Wettner said she will be taking two friends, who are also charity trustees, and her parents, with a special invite for her wheelchair-using French Bulldog Percy.
"I am nervous about getting the award but so excited too," she said.
"It will be a great day for my parents as well to remember with me, as they have had a hard year.
"I really thought somebody was winding me up when it came through but it is lovely to be recognised."
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