Canon Medical Systems UK has renewed its support for national charity Support Dogs for a further year, continuing a longstanding partnership focused on helping people and families affected by autism, epilepsy and physical disabilities live with greater confidence, independence, and dignity.
The renewed commitment builds on a partnership that began in 2019 and aligns with Canon’s mission to enrich every life it touches. Through this support, Canon has helped advance the life-changing work of Support Dogs, supporting the training of two support dog puppies, Conan and Kibo.
This next chapter will help support Kibo – whose name means “hope” in Japanese – through his final year of training. Kibo progressed into full-time assistance dog training in May 2024 and is now learning the specialist tasks needed to provide life-saving support for people affected by epilepsy, autism or disability. His personality and skillset currently best match Support Dogs’ epilepsy seizure alert dog programme, with the hope that he will be matched with a client in 2026 before completing the final stage of training tailored to their specific needs.
For people living with uncontrolled epilepsy, this can mean receiving a 100% reliable warning up to an hour before a seizure, giving them time to reach safety and regain confidence, independence, and control in everyday life. This is part of the wider impact of Support Dogs’ work, with 100% of clients reporting that their care needs have reduced.
Canon’s seven-year support has strengthened the charity’s ability to help more families. This includes contributing to the strategic planning for Support Dogs’ new national centre, where Canon Medical will also support the development of an accessible visitor guide for autistic and neurodiverse visitors, helping individuals and families feel prepared, welcomed, and reassured before they arrive.
Mark Hitchman, Managing Director of Canon Medical Systems UK, said: “We are very proud to be extending our commitment to Support Dogs for a further year. The charity’s work has a profound impact on the lives of the people and families it supports, and it is a privilege to continue playing a part in that journey. We are also pleased to be supporting the development of a new centre guide for autistic and neurodiverse visitors to Support Dogs’ new facility. Accessibility and inclusion are central to our ethos at Canon Medical, and this guide will help more people feel prepared, welcomed, and understood.”
Canon employees have also shown their support through volunteering and fundraising activities throughout the partnership, contributing time, energy, and enthusiasm to help raise awareness of the charity’s work. Canon staff volunteered more than 270 hours for Support Dogs, including support at Crufts, where staff helped raise over £15,000 while also providing opportunities for students from a Sheffield school to volunteer at the event.
Danny Anderson, Head of Fundraising at Support Dogs, commented: “Our partnership with Canon is so valuable to our charity and shows the impact organisations can have when they truly commit to working with a charity. The funds they have donated and raised allows us to save and change the lives of families living across the UK. This latest commitment of support is at a really vital time for us as we are creating a new centre for the charity with the aim to significantly increase the reach of our work. Their enthusiasm and kindness are hugely appreciated”.
The renewed partnership underlines Canon Medical’s commitment to supporting organisations that make a lasting difference in people’s lives, helping to create more inclusive communities and brighter futures.
Image Caption: Kibo in training.