Thanks for visiting my fundraising page
As some of you are aware, I recently underwent surgery to save what was left of my eyesight. I am pleased to say that not only did it work but it actually improved it a little  - enough for me to enjoy riding a bicycle again for the first time in 15 years.

As I consider myself to be very lucky (my brother had a similar operation to save his sight but unfortunately the gamble did not pay off for him and he is now totally blind) I am trying to give something back.

My brother Andrew had a guide dog who has had to retire due to the stress of commuting from Harlow to London where he works everyday. Tally (the dog) gave my brother a lot of independence and the confidence to carry on in his job and social life. Tally would take him most places and even helped him out of Liverpool Street during the 7/7 bombings not phased by the sound of the explosions – she remained calm and assisted him to safety.

Guide dogs give blind people a remarkable amount of confidence to cope with everyday life but they have to be very intelligent, so there is a large breeding stock which only takes a few dogs per year. Thos dogs which are rejected from the training program are  re-homed as disability assistance dogs for the physically impaired or deaf. Some dogs even go on to Police arrears The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (GDBA) also does research into dog welfare and breeding programs, eye health and eye care, mobility training using a white cane, help and support for blind people and their families as well as fighting for the rights of the visually impaired

It costs approximately £3500 to train ONE dog per year and it is worth every penny to those unfortunate enough to have lost their vision. All dogs are found loving retirement homes too but all of this  costs MONEY!

The GDBA gets NO government support and to this end I wish to announce that I am trying to raise funds for the GDBA by cycling from Lands End to John O’Groats in April this year. Training is going well and I am on course for the level of fitness required to do the job. Many thanks to Mr Jonathan Fox for assisting me in this training shcedule by accompnying and arranging interesting routes! Thanks also to Mike Spraklin for being my support van driver.

I am doing the hard bit (about 950 miles to be precise) so all you are asked  to do is donate!

As far as I know I am the only person with a visual impairment to attempt this little jaunt so it should be – er – interesting!

Please don’t sponsor me 10p a mile or you will end up owing me £90! But general donations and or support would be most welcome. Please contact me if you require further information and Thank you on behalf of guide dog users and their families for any support you may be willing to offer.

Thanks to Dave Robinson and Rominar London - best stonecleaners arround for thier donation.

Luv’n’stuff

Ian

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Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Guide Dogs gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponso r me now!