Your news: Pupils' pride at guide dog sponsorship

An inspirational talk from a blind visitor prompted Year Two pupils at The Oaks Primary School to sponsor a guide dog puppy.
By The Newsroom
Published 30th May 2017, 12:25 BST
Updated 4th Jun 2017, 21:15 BST

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Bolt. Image courtesy of The Guide Dogs for the Blind AssociationBolt. Image courtesy of The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
Bolt. Image courtesy of The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association

Doug and his guide dog Baker visited the school in November to help the students understand nystangmus - a condition that a pupil in Year Two has.

The children managed to raise £714.29 by running ten laps of the school field (1.25 miles) to support Guide Dogs for the Blind. The money will go to sponsor Bolt, a puppy who is being trained to be a guide dog.

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For the run, they had their noses painted black, and made ‘dog tails’ to wear.

Fundraising for BoltFundraising for Bolt
Fundraising for Bolt

“It was fantastic to see the children encouraging each other throughout the run,” said teacher Miss Wilkinson. “They didn’t give up and persevered even when their little legs felt like jelly.”

Pupil Elisha Jenner said: “It was tiring but we never gave up.”

After completing the ten laps, Keigho Piller said: “I don’t want to stop running.”

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After the race was completed the children were awarded a medal from Doug. He told them that the waiting list to get a guide dog is very long, and life without one can be very challenging for him - he currently does not have a dog, as Baker has had to retire.

Fundraising for BoltFundraising for Bolt
Fundraising for Bolt

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