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It's almost 20 years ago since I got my first guide dog, Vale.  Getting her was like finding the key to a door which had always been locked.  She allowed me to gain more independence and open the door to many new challenges and adventures.  She was quite renowned in the North Wales town where I lived.  I remember one day, a friend was walking behind me in a well-known food shop when he asked:  "Is Vale supposed to carry a pork pie round in her mouth?"

Ten years ago, Vale retired and I got Chelsea, a little black Labrador.  Chelsea was like a little black whirlwind, and I had to ask everyone to remove all plant pots/best china whenever Chelsea went to their house.

In 2007, I decided to do a long distance walk, from Port Vale football club to Chelsea football club.  190 miles and £11,500.00 later I'd raised enough to name two guide dogs, with the name a puppy scheme.

In 2012, my Father, who I was very close to, passed away after a short illness.  During the difficult times which followed, Chelsea was the silent friend who listened, but didn't pretend to understand what I was going through.

I started training with my current guide dog, James last June.  He's a delightful yellow Labrador.  He hates walking through puddles when we're working together, but happily paddles through them when he's running free.

So I've decided to do another walk.  I'm walking from Chelsea road, Bath to James street Cardiff Bay.  It will be just as difficult as the last walk, although a little shorter.  But this time, I have the added challenge of the walking across the Severn Bridge!  I'm hopping to raise enough money to name a puppy 'John' after my Father.  I'm starting the walk on the 4th of September, my Dad's birthday.  We plan to finish in the Roald Dhal Plaza on the 9th of September.  What better way could I honour Dad's memory, than by giving another person the freedom, independence and confidence my wonderful dogs have given me!

You can follow my progress and keep up-to-date with our adventure at:

www.twitter.com/nickiandchelly  &  www.adogcalledchelsea.wordpress.com

A huge thank you from Nicki, James & Chelsea.

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