THE MINES AWARENESS TRUST
Sapper the MDD
Craig Anthony Appleby was a Staff Sergeant & Bomb Disposal Officer in 33 EOD Regiment of the Royal Engineers. Craig left the Army and came into Mine Action in 2006. Craig was a Technical Advisor for MAT in Rwanda, where he led the development of the National Mine Action Programme, he assisted in the clearance of the country's Minefields. Craig was working in Lebanon for the Armor Group, when on the 11th October 2007 he was tragically killed by a sub munition.
Following the tragic death of Craig, the idea was formed by his parents, MAT and Armor Group to fund a Mine Detection Dog (MDD) in his memory. This dog was appropriately named 'Sapper', (a term used for British Army Royal Engineers), who will continue working in Mine Action in Craig’s memory. Craig was very fond of dogs and was particularly keen on the MAT 'Dirk Ridge' MDD centre in Nairobi, Kenya. Family and friends are very pleased and proud that this idea has come to fruition. 'Sapper' is a Golden Retriever and he is currently in the last stages of his training prior to him deploying to a project where he will continue the work Craig held so dear.
Sapper is coming up to two years of age. He is a very happy and friendly dog, whilst also having a very keen nose. Sapper was originally a pet in Pretoria, South Africa, but was given up because he was too energetic for his owners. 'Sapper' was fortunte to be seen in a dogs home and selected for training as a working dog, due to his high play drive.
Since being selected as a MDD Sapper has undergone initial training in South Africa. He then flew on to Nairobi, Kenya and MAT's training centre at the IMATC, where his intense training continues.
Watch this space for Sapper's progression, and why not become a 'Supporter of Sapper' and our other K9 heroes! For more information on how you can Support Sapper contact Sam Evans via email on sam.evans@minesawareness.org or call +44 1481 233780
Since being selected as a MDD Sapper has undergone initial training in South Africa. He then flew on to Nairobi, Kenya and MAT's training centre at the IMATC, where his intense training continues.
Watch this space for Sapper's progression, and why not become a 'Supporter of Sapper' and our other K9 heroes! For more information on how you can Support Sapper contact Sam Evans via email on sam.evans@minesawareness.org or call +44 1481 233780
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