Bob, my uncle, couldn’t see from birth. As a child I was very conscious how much he relied on everyone for almost everything. Going out meant he needed someone to take him/ guide him. Independent living was not a thing that crossed anyone’s mind. As a child he went away to a School for the Blind and spent his formative years there. I remember how impressed I was when I heard him playing musical instruments and saw him reading braille (I wanted to learn)!

After living at home until he got his first guide dog at age 34, I think it’s fair to say that’s when Bob’s life was transformed . He moved into his own flat and an independent way of living began.

Bob has had 7 dogs since then and at age 72 continues to live on his own (with Ronnie of course).

Bob is an incredibly inspirational man who took what must have been a very frightening step at age 34, but look at what a guide dog has made possible.

I feel very privileged to be able to run this race and raise money for this organisation and I appreciate all your support .

Every day, 250 more people join the 2 million already living with sight loss. This number is set to double by 2050, which is why our work is more important than ever before, however, we can only continue our life-changing work, such as our guide and buddy dog services, mobility training, education support, sighted guides and much more with your support.

"Having a guide dog is a life-changing experience and I'm phenomenally grateful to Guide Dogs for enabling me to be more independent" - Priya, guide dog owner.

How your funds will change live...

£125 buys a Starter Kit for a new guide dog owner

£332 could provide eight weeks of Early Diagnosis Support to a child with sight loss and their family

£710 could buy a Birthing Kit containing all the essential equipment for a guide dog mum to safely deliver her puppies

It's thanks to people like you that we can continue to provide life-changing services, So, a huge thank you and lots of luck for your challenge!