THE new landlord of the Biddestone Arms, who was saved by doctors following a 130mph crash in Dorchester six years ago, has raised nearly £1,000 for the Bath Royal United Hospital by being rescued by a Newfoundland dog.

Giles Wareham, 71, was saved from ‘drowning’ in Portishead Marina by Tsuki the Newfoundland at the end of September to help raise much needed funds for the NHS.

“I am a great fan of the NHS,” he said. “I have lived abroad and when you see medical conditions over there you realise how blessed we are in this country and I know it is creaking a bit, bit we don’t have to break it apart.

“I think it is one of the great institutions in this country and I have had good experiences with them in the past. They helped rebuild me after a 130mph crash and that’s really something.”

Mr Wareham was one of 27 people who braved the cold waters to be rescued by the 14-stone dogs, raising more than £5,000 collectively.

“What can I say about being lowered into deep salty water and being rescued by a big black dog, much to the annoyance of my wife, other than it was an experience,” he said.”It was wonderful and a quick way to raise £1,000.

“I am very grateful to the people of the Biddestone Arms, they have been very good and people who barely know me have been donating £30.”

The Newfoundland dog rescue day was a new initiative kickstarted by the Forever Friends Appeal and has proved so popular that they are hosting it again next year.

Emily Lynch, events and community officer at the Forever Friends Appeal said: “This was our first Newfoundland Water Rescue Day and it was a great success.

“We’re delighted with the amount raised and everyone who took part really enjoyed the experience.

“The dogs were amazing and they showed us just how fantastic they are at rescuing people in water – of course, this was done just for fun and to raise sponsorship for patients at the RUH on the day.

“As the participants could choose where their sponsorship will go, we’ve got funds going towards our new builds such as the new Cancer Centre and Therapies Centre, as well as to wards and departments in the RUH, so thank you to everyone who has supported and donated.”

Anyone interested in signing up should visit www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk. Donations can still be made to Mr Wareham’s JustGiving page via www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gileswareham.