Allen Parton is a Royal Naval veteran, award-winning disability advocate, and Co-founder and Vice Chairman of Hounds for Heroes, a non-profit that provides trained service dogs to injured or disabled emergency services personnel and military veterans in the UK.
In 1991, while serving in the Gulf War as a chief petty officer, Allen sustained a severe head injury that left him unable to move, speak or recognise his family. His journey of recovery began with Endal, a remarkable yellow Labrador able to follow over 100 commands. More than a service dog, Endal became a lifeline, helping Allen regain his voice, rebuild his confidence and reconnect with the world around him.
Determined to offer others the same life-changing support, Allen launched Hounds for Heroes in 2010. Today, Allen continues his work alongside his current Labrador, ET (Endal the Third), championing the life-enhancing bond between people and their canine partners – and reminding us all of the power of perseverance, purpose and partnership.
Allen will share his incredible story, as well as his own insights into air travel and what it’s like to fly with a support animal by his side.