• Swindon & Wiltshire Community champions
• Tuesday February 8 2022
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Mortgage advisors pledge to raise funds for dog rescue charity

The team at Swindon-based independent mortgage company, TED Mortgages, have committed to raise funds this year for a charity close to their hearts: SNDogs.
Led by founder and managing director Tom Brennan, the team will be taking part in – and organising – a series of events throughout 2022 with the aim of raising at least £3,000.

Clare Fantini-Stephens of SNDogs said: “A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to TED Mortgages for choosing us to be their charity of 2022. Due to the pandemic all fundraising events were cancelled for the past two years, which meant we have not been able to raise much-needed funds for the dogs in our care.

“As all of our dogs live in foster homes we don’t have kennels so all money raised will go directly to the dogs for vets’ fees such as neutering, dental work, vaccinations, flea treatments and any other on-going treatment a dog requires when it comes into our care.”

Founder Tom Brennan first became aware of the organisation four years ago when he adopted Ted, a border collie that had to be rehomed.

“Ted had been taken on as a puppy by a family with young children however, as a highly intelligent border collie, he kept trying to herd the children and would gently snap at their ankles to get them to comply. The family felt he was not suitable for their family and SNDogs came to the rescue.

“I’d grown up with dogs so I knew Ted would fit right in at home with my wife Emily and our other dog Walter who is a Jack Russell/border collie cross. After a few weeks they became like brothers and now Ted is a very happy five-year-old hound and we wouldn’t be without him.”

In fact, Tom is so proud of his family he named his business TED Mortgages after them – with TED standing for Tom, Emily & Dogs!

Tom, fellow director Chris Blackwell and advisers Daniella Black and James Harris are planning their fund-raising activities and at least one of the team will be taking part in the famous Race to the Stones event in the summer. Celebrated as Britain’s oldest path, the 100km route follows the historic trail through Oxfordshire and Wiltshire including Wayland’s Smithy, Uffington White Horse and Barbury Castle before reaching the iconic ancient Stone Circle at Avebury.

Other activities being planned are taking part in a ‘Tough Mudder’ event, having a permanent Just Giving link on the TED Mortgages’ website and volunteering to play a role in SNDogs’ own events.

SNDogs provides help to all dogs (and owners) with neutering assistance, training, microchipping and responsible dog ownership. The charity also assists with adoption, fostering and the re-homing of dogs.

“The work they do to help re-home dogs in and around Swindon is outstanding and a cause that really resonates with us,” explained Tom. “By choosing SNDogs as our charity of the year, not only are TED Mortgages helping people find their perfect home, but we are now also helping our canine companions find a home! This is something we are very proud to support.”

Pictured: James Harris, Tom Brennan MD of TED Mortgages, Clare Fantini-Stephens of SNDogs, Chris Blackwell and Daniella Black