A young woman from Petersfield who spent much of lockdown promoting her favourite charity in a series of online events and Zoom calls has been given a special recognition award.

Natalie Hibberd, 23, who writes young people’s fiction books for a living, was awarded the accolade by national charity Support Dog.

The charity trained her labradoodle Cleo to be her disability assistance dog.

Natalie and her twin sister Lorna were born ten weeks prematurely and has faced health problems ever since.

Natalie has cerebral palsy which affects her lower limbs and means she can’t walk unaided, so she uses a wheelchair to get around.

During lockdown she was confined largely indoors because she was vulnerable to Covid.

But nevertheless she took part in numerous Zoom calls and talks, on behalf of Support Dogs, to community groups in and around Petersfield.

These included WIs, Rotary clubs, Scouts and Beaver groups.

More recently, since lockdown eased, she gave talks at Corhampton Golf Club and The Springs Golf Club in Wallingford.

Natalie, who gained an A* and two A-levels at Havant Sixth Form College, said: “I explain about how I found Support Dogs, about the training, and what Cleo does for me.

“I also talk about the massive positive difference she has made to my life.

“People usually cry – and so do I!”

Natalie released her first book Inside Out in November 2019, but she “wrote the first draft of my debut novel between the ages of 12 and 14.”

She said Cleo’s help around the home is invaluable.

As well as picking up items she’s dropped from her wheelchair, Cleo also helps Natalie put on and take off her coat and socks and shoes.

Cleo, who Natalie says is her “right-hand dog,” also opens doors, presses buttons and dashes off to fetch help when needed.

She also provides important canine companionship.

Natalie describes her lovely dog as the light of her life who keeps her safe and gives her confidence to leave the house.

She said: “I was very chuffed, very surprised and very proud that Support Dogs have given me their special recognition award.”

Chief executive of Support Dogs Rita Howson said: “Natalie is a really worthy recipient of this award.

“All our clients are special, but we really appreciated all Natalie did in raising our profile and funds during a very tough time.”

Support Dogs of Sheffield is a small national charity that relies on voluntary donations to provide and train assistance dogs. The dogs help children and adults who suffer from autism, epilepsy and a variety of medical conditions.

They live with their owners and help them to lead safer, more independent lives.

For more information about the charity, visit the website at https://www.supportdogs.org.uk/