This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

A Sunderland Stagecoach employee has raised thousands of pounds at this year’s North East Dog Festival.

Leonie Zacharias, an administration assistant at Stagecoach’s North Bridge Street head office, raised £1,758 at her Dog Assistance in Disability (Dog A.I.D) stand at the North East Dog Festival, in Kirkley Hall, Northumberland.

Her fundraising journey began in 2013 after her partner Barry, who had worked for Stagecoach for 27 years, was medically retired on capability grounds.

The couple welcomed Labrador Alex into their home to help Barry with everyday tasks and accompany him to hospital appointments.

Leonie Zacharias is pictured with Nelson, who has successfully completed his final assessment and is now a fully qualified assistance dog.

placeholder image — Leonie Zacharias is pictured with Nelson, who has successfully completed his final assessment and is now a fully qualified assistance dog.

Leonie, who began supporting the North East Dog Festival in 2015, said: “I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who supports the Dog A.I.D stand each year.

"Stagecoach has always been behind me and that support means we can raise even more money for a charity that makes such a difference to people’s lives.

“Raising £1,758 this year is fantastic and I’d like to thank everyone who donated, volunteered or supported us over the weekend.”

Stagecoach has supported Leonie’s fundraising over the years and now sponsors the Dog A.I.D stand, providing financial support and giveaways for visitors.

After Alex sadly passed away in 2025, Leonie and Barry welcomed Nelson – another black Labrador – into their home.

Leonie, 61, said: “Alex changed our lives and showed us just how much an assistance dog can do.

"He was incredibly special to us and I’m proud that he was one of the first dogs to be trained by Dog A.I.D in the North East.

“After Alex passed away last year, we welcomed Nelson into our family.

"He has big paws to fill, but he has done brilliantly and is now a fully qualified assistance dog.”

Steve Walker, managing director of Stagecoach North East, said: “Leonie’s commitment to Dog A.I.D is a wonderful example of the difference one person can make through determination, compassion and a genuine desire to help others.

“We’re proud to support Leonie and the charity and to play a small part in helping Dog A.I.D continue its important work, while it is fantastic to see Nelson now following in Alex’s pawprints as a fully qualified assistance dog.”