Barnstaple fundraising group reaches £13,000 milestone for Guide Dogs

Local fundraisers in Barnstaple have won recognition this week for raising £13,000, funding a guide dog into a partnership with someone with sight loss. Thanks to these hard-working volunteers, guide dog Mac (pictured) is now fully funded to support someone with sight loss for her working dog career.

It costs around £55,000 to breed, train and support a guide dog throughout their life. Guide Dogs continues to support the dogs during their time working as a guide, so the £13,000 figure covers the cost of food, vets’ bills and ongoing training after the dog is partnered with someone with sight loss.

The Barnstaple fundraising group, made up entirely of volunteers, raised the sum through local activities like collections and sponsored events.

Krissie Isaac, of Guide Dogs, said:

“This amazing group of volunteers have done incredibly well to raise this sum, which will make a real difference for the people we support.

“Volunteers kindly offer their time, support and energy to our charity. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to continue our work.

“Our guide dogs are truly life-changing, allowing people with sight loss to enjoy the same freedom and independence as everyone else.

“We are so proud of our volunteers and would like to thank them for everything they do. We also wish to recognise the fantastic support that the group receives from individuals and businesses within the local community.”

There are around 50,910 people living with sight loss across Devon. While not all of these people are registered blind, their sight loss is significant enough to impact their daily lives.

The charity is looking for more volunteers to help in several roles, from fundraising to helping raise puppies. To find out about volunteering for Guide Dogs, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer or call 0800 781 1444.