Foster friend

Star Ellie Simmonds on her passion for giving rescued dogs a home

- BY HANNAH BRITT

ellie watches a springer spaniel jump at the launch of Crufts, at Birmingham's NEC

THE next time you see Ellie Simmonds presenting the TV coverage of Crufts she's hoping she'll be a dog foster carer.

The Paralympian gold medallist was part of the Channel 4 team covering the world's biggest dog show at the NEC in Birmingham.

Ellie, 31, told us: "I love animals, but especially dogs. Especially this year working on Crufts and with Channel 4. I put my application in to foster a dog.

"Fostering, rather than adoption, helps with my flexibility - but also I love the idea of giving back to dogs who are looking forward to a long-term home."