FORWARD: Spring/Summer 2025 Guide Dogs presents the Spring/Summer 2025 issue of Forward, the official Guide Dogs magazine. Introduction This document contains every part of the print version of Forward, and in the same order as that used in the print edition. Guide Dogs Forward The Guide Dogs magazine Spring/Summer 2025 David Bradley is one in a million! The star supports our Million Pound House Draw with Omaze Inside: learn about our new strategy called Forward, Together Our new South East Regional Centre opens its doors How technology can help people with sight loss to thrive On the front cover is a photograph of actor David Bradley standing outside the Cotswolds Omaze house, smiling at the camera as he holds a yellow Labrador guide dog puppy. Contents Regulars – Welcome from the CEO Regulars – News What’s been happening in the world of Guide Dogs Regulars – On the Campaign Trail Regulars – Guide Dogs in the Media We’ve been making the headlines again Regulars – Star News Features – Our Friends and Family Sighted Guide Training Features – Introducing Guide Dogs’ new strategy – Forward, Together Features – Technology and the thriving mindset: enhancing mobility through innovation Features – Welcome to our new South East Regional Centre Features – Putting Animal Welfare First: Inside Guide Dogs’ Animal Welfare & Ethics Panel Features – Volunteering Features – Meet the trainers! Features – Archie’s story Features – “All because a puppy called Pudding smiled at me” – Audrey’s happy happening Features – Brotherly love leads to Steven’s very special gift to Guide Dogs Regulars – Thank You to our Supporters Regulars – A Day in the Life Of… James Betts, Video Producer Regulars – Letter & Caption Competition Did you meet Paul on his way around the UK in 2006/7? Regulars – In Good Company Promotions Contact details – arising from the articles in this edition of Forward Included here are six photographs. The first is of a guide dog puppy in training running on the course at MARS Badminton Horse Trials, with a Guide Dogs-branded jump behind him. The second is of actor and singer Jason Donovan meeting Carole and her golden retriever guide dog Jason. The third is of the exterior of the new Guide Dogs South East Regional Centre; photo: Buro Happold. The fourth is of Paralympic Games swimming hopeful 17-year-old Archie practising diving into the pool. The fifth is of guide dog owner Jane with her Sponsor a Puppy golden retriever guide dog Pudding. The sixth is of puppy raiser Gemma with yellow Labrador/golden retriever cross guide dog Ian. Subscription enquiries: You’re receiving this copy of Forward magazine as one of our valued supporters. Forward is available in standard print, Braille, large print and audio CD formats. It’s also available online as an accessible PDF, as a plain text document and as audio files at www.guidedogs.org.uk/forward. If you no longer wish to receive this magazine, or if you wish to change the format in which it’s sent to you, please contact us on 0800 953 0113 or via guidedogs@guidedogs.org.uk. Editorial contributions: Send your stories to Forward by email to forward@guidedogs.org.uk or addressed to “Forward magazine” by post to the Head Office address below. Unfortunately, due to the volume of ideas we receive, we cannot acknowledge every item. We reserve the right to edit or refuse. Founding Editor: The late Captain Nikolai Liakhoff MBE FRZS Registered Head Office: The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading RG7 3YG. Switchboard: 0118 983 5555 Guide Line: 0800 781 1444 or information@guidedogs.org.uk Supporter Care: 0800 953 0113 or guidedogs@guidedogs.org.uk Web: www.guidedogs.org.uk © 2025 Registered charity in England and Wales (209617), Scotland (SC038979) and Isle of Man (1334). D001 04/25 Any products or services advertised in Forward by third parties are not in any way endorsed by Guide Dogs, and Guide Dogs shall not be responsible for the accuracy of any information contained in such advertisements nor has it investigated or verified any of the information. A welcome from Andrew It is great to be able to welcome you to this edition of Forward magazine, and as you will discover from the contents, we have lots of great news and insights into Guide Dogs to share with you. We cover a lot of ground, from our new strategy Forward, Together, to an important collaboration with Thomas Pocklington Trust in the News section, and also stories from around the regions including our 75th anniversary in Exeter in the South West. The world seems to be going through quite a tumultuous time at the moment, but the work of Guide Dogs goes from strength to strength. As our guide dog service continues its upwards trajectory towards previous levels, we are also growing the reach and capability of our other support services as we strive to deliver on our aims to help people with sight loss live the life they choose. Our Forward, Together strategy will be key to allowing us to deliver lasting solutions to our communities in the face of a changing world. Our goals and ambitions reflect the core of our charitable purposes but they cannot be delivered sustainably in a short push, so to hold on to our “North Star”, we have set a longer horizon for this plan as you will read about later in this document. Every month I get to spend time on-class with new guide dog partnerships, time with volunteers seeing the amazing range of things they do, and time supporting staff to make our processes easier and better for the future. I often join my own local North Wiltshire Fundraising Group at their events. I love seeing the steady stream of folks wanting to say “hi” to the ambassador dogs we have with us, or having really engaging conversations with people – so many of whom have a connection to sight loss. It is always great to spend a couple of hours as “Andrew the volunteer” rather than being there on a formal visit as “Andrew the CEO”. Having those constant touch points reminds me what an amazing charity we are, and that the results we deliver for the people we serve are truly life-changing. As you read all the stories in this issue, I hope that you too will experience the inspiration that I am fortunate enough to witness every day. Enjoy our Spring/Summer edition of Forward magazine. Andrew Lennox Chief Executive Guide Dogs Included here is a photograph of Andrew Lennox sitting outside on a bench with a yellow Labrador guide dog at his feet. News Introducing “Learn with Guide Dogs” Guide Dogs helps people with sight loss live the life they choose by not only delivering life-changing services but also raising awareness and changing attitudes. Key to this is the work we do with young people: helping the next generation understand the challenges of sight loss and what we can all do to create a more inclusive world. “Learn with Guide Dogs” is our new collection of resources for schools and youth groups. From puzzles, colouring and comics to session plans for learning about guide dogs, eye health, and access refusals, young people will be guided by our fun Tailblazers Squad characters. Resources for 5–11 year-olds are available at www.guidedogs.org.uk/learning - stay tuned for resources for early years and secondary-age pupils! Included here is a photograph of the new Tailblazers Squad learning resources. Innovative collaboration with Thomas Pocklington Trust Guide Dogs works with organisations across the sight loss sector, and on 1 April we started an innovative partnership with Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT). Guide Dogs’ Education Team colleagues are now working as part of TPT’s education service, allowing us to provide educational support and guidance to our service users throughout their lives, as part of our wider services for Children, Young People and Families (CYPF). Kerry Kernan, Guide Dogs’ CYPF Operations Lead, said: “Working like this combines the expertise of both organisations, making the most of both our resources. Ultimately, it will mean we reach more families with a sector-leading service.” Guide dog puppies have a whale of a time at SEALIFE Guide dog puppies learned how to make a splash in the world thanks to a collaboration with SEALIFE Loch Lomond in Scotland. Pups Honey, Wynnie, Massey and Robin – along with their volunteer puppy raisers – enjoyed their very own “school trip” to the attraction, where they learned how to navigate a host of different environments and social settings. Puppy Development Advisor Erin McArthur said: “We’re really grateful to SEALIFE in Loch Lomond for allowing our guide dog puppies to visit. It’s so important that the dogs are exposed to a wide variety of situations and environments – that way, they grow into calm and confident guide dogs and learn how to behave in different settings. “SEALIFE is the perfect location for this, having so many different areas they can explore, all of which offer something unique, and such diverse marine life. Our pups and volunteers had a brilliant day.” Included here is a photograph of a guide dog puppy close to the glass of an aquarium, looking at a turtle in a tank, and the turtle seems to be staring back at the puppy. Nathan’s the star of a deeply moving podcast An episode of a podcast called Dogs With Jobs features one of our very own Customer Experience Officers, Nathan Foy. The episode is called “By your side: navigating life over decades with a guide dog, and how the partnership evolves over time” and, as the title suggests, is all about Nathan’s experiences with the four guide dogs he has had since the age of 18. Now a father-of-two, Nathan also shares the profound loss that accompanied the end of each partnership, and the gratitude he feels every time he leaves his house with his current guide dog, Joey. Nathan said: “I want people listening to this podcast to know that the relationships we have with our guide dogs are very much partnerships. They’re part of our family.” You can listen to Nathan’s episode of Dogs With Jobs wherever podcasts are available. Included here is a photograph of Nathan with his yellow Labrador guide dog Joey. Transport for Wales staff think Jamie is a very bachgen da! A guide dog has been given his own staff pass after starting work at Transport for Wales. Golden retriever Jamie clocks in at the Pontypridd office three times a week alongside owner Ryan Moreland, an Assistant Project Manager working in a team delivering safer streets for walking, wheeling and cycling. Ryan plans to bring personal experience as a disabled passenger to his new role. He said: “I’m really excited about being a part of the solution, not just the problem.” When Ryan applied, it was his first job interview with a guide dog by his side. Now Jamie sits behind him with a water bowl and mat, ready to greet colleagues. His staff badge proudly lists his Transport for Wales role – Bachgen Da, Welsh for Good Boy! Included here are two photographs. The first is a close-up of golden retriever Jamie wearing his staff pass. The second is of Ryan and Jamie in the office. Goodbye old friend, but we must press on! There was a big moment for the Guide Dogs Workshop team in April as they said goodbye to their 30-year-old beam press. The press had stamped out an estimated 28,000 guide dog harnesses over the decades, along with a range of other key equipment. With the old press failing to deliver its 25 tons of pressure, and broken parts difficult to replace, it was decided a new press (that also meets modern safety standards) was needed. The new press delivers 70 tons of pressure which means the team, based at Guide Dogs’ National Centre, can do much more and further streamline their manufacturing processes. Workshop Manager David Pryke said: “The icing on the cake was the fact that the entire purchase cost of the new press was funded by a generous Guide Dogs supporter.” Included here is a photograph of the new beam press in operation. New leadership programme broadens the horizons Earlier this year we launched New Horizons, a leadership programme specifically for people with lived experience of sight loss. The programme – developed by Guide Dogs, RNIB and Thomas Pocklington Trust on behalf of the wider Vision Partnership – will provide existing blind and partially sighted managers with the skills and capabilities to progress further as leaders. The eight- to nine-month pilot programme starts this June with its first cohort of 12 participants. Half the participants have been selected from within Guide Dogs, Thomas Pocklington Trust and RNIB, with the remaining half from other Vision Partnership and Visionary network organisations. Further updates of the New Horizons programme will feature in future editions of Forward. Our Futures project in Northern Ireland comes to a close A programme designed by, and for, young people aged eight to 25 with vision impairments has ended with a celebratory event in Belfast. Our Futures was a five-year partnership between RNIB NI and Guide Dogs NI, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund NI’s Empowering Young People’s Programme. Set up to support young people to overcome barriers and challenges through transitional periods of their lives, Our Futures surpassed all expectations, helping 275 children and young people who are blind or partially sighted. Several young people displayed their new-found confidence and independence at the celebration at the Black Box performance and arts venue in April, while project staff shared key successes and discussed next steps to support young people with sight loss to thrive. Included here is a photograph of young people attending the Our Futures closing celebration event. International Guide Dog Federation Conference 2025 held in UK Earlier this month, we were proud to host the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) Conference 2025 at Warwick University Conference Centre. The annual event brought experts together from around the world including guide dog schools, trainers and researchers, to collaborate, share best practice and drive innovation. This year’s theme was “The Power of Partnership” and the conference celebrated the many ways partnership fuels the guide dog movement - from the deep bond between a guide dog and their handler, to the vital collaborations between organisations, volunteers, donors, and communities. At the heart of this was progressing how the international guide dog community can work together to improve global access to services. Exeter’s 75th anniversary Guide Dogs marks 75 years in Exeter this year, with plans underway to celebrate the occasion. Our original base in the Devon city was Cleve House, a 17th century manor in 14 acres that was requisitioned as a Women’s Land Army hostel during World War II, before Guide Dogs bought it from the Snow family. In March 1998, Cleve House became the first Guide Dogs site to be visited by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Glenda Webb started at Cleve House in 1970 as a Kennel Maid, and is now a Dog Welfare Specialist. Glenda said: “We lived on-site in those days, there were six Kennel Maids along with trainers and instructors. There was a housekeeper called Miss Castle, who cooked, cleaned and did everything. They were wonderful days.” Guide Dogs left Cleve House in Summer 2003, moving to Marsh Barton Trading Estate where our Exeter team remains. Included here is an old black-and-white photograph of Cleve House. Guide Dogs at MARS Badminton Horse Trials 2025 – an unbridled success! Guide Dogs swapped four paws for four hooves in May as Charity of the Year at the world-famous MARS Badminton Horse Trials. We had two stands in the heart of the event village and spoke to thousands of people, from life-long supporters to those who had never connected with us before. As well as bringing in substantial funds, we also raised awareness of our cause and our services, talked about gifts in Wills, invited people to put a saddle and bridle on a model of a horse against the clock, and eventing legend William Fox-Pitt even hosted a course walk for us! A huge thank you to all the staff and volunteers who worked so hard across the event, making the most of this great opportunity. Included here is a photograph of a guide dog puppy in training running in front of a Guide Dogs-branded jump on the course at the MARS Badminton Horse Trials. Guide Dogs Shop The Guide Dogs Shop merged with our Teemill store at the end of May 2025. While you can no longer make purchases from www.GuideDogsShop.com, you can now buy an even bigger range of exclusive, sustainable, Guide Dogs-branded clothing, accessories, homeware and stationery from www.GuideDogsTeemillStore.co.uk. We’ve been selling through the Teemill platform, which is owned and operated by Teemill on behalf of Guide Dogs under licence, for a year now, and there’s free postage from 4-6 July 2025 to celebrate the bigger range of products available. Guide Dogs-branded trading merchandise sold by our volunteers is unaffected by this change, and volunteers will still be able to buy their trading merchandise the same way they always have. On the Campaign Trail Nearly 28,000 call for an end to problematic pavement parking The laws in Scotland and London show it is possible to end unsafe and unfair pavement parking; we now need action to allow everyone to walk their streets safely wherever they live in the UK. This was the message we delivered in our pavement parking open letter to party leaders in Westminster, and we’re delighted that almost 28,000 people showed their support and signed. We were joined in our letter hand-in by the MP for Battersea, Marsha de Cordova, who returned to the House of Commons afterwards and gave a powerful speech calling for change. The Government has now committed to publishing a response to the consultation on pavement parking and in April we met Lilian Greenwood MP, Minister for the Future of Roads, to highlight the urgent need for progress. Included here is a photograph of the letter hand-in. Campaigners, including Marsha de Cordova MP and Penny Hefferan, are standing in Parliament Square and holding oversized envelopes addressed to “Keir Starmer, The Labour Party”, “Ed Davey, Liberal Democrats” and “Kemi Badenoch, The Conservative Party”. Designing for inclusion Last year we published our Design for Inclusion report (read it at www.TinyURL.com/GuideDogsDesignForInclusion) with University College London. This important research looks at bus stop designs and cycle infrastructure that pose barriers to disabled people and makes recommendations for change. We have already seen progress, with the UK Government committing to introducing guidance on bus stop design in England. We also welcomed the recommendation from the Government to local councils in England that they pause rolling out shared bus stop boarders. Bus stop boarders involve stepping on and off the bus directly onto the cycle lane. We’re pleased the Government has recognised the dangers they pose as a first step, and we will continue to work to shape the final guidance. The report has also already had an impact across the rest of the UK. A round of Spring political conferences in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland gave us the platform to talk about the report’s recommendations, followed by sessions at active travel and sight loss parliamentary committees in Holyrood, the Senedd and Stormont. The key message on designing inclusive streets also underpinned our response to the Active Travel Delivery Plan in Northern Ireland. We are beginning to see the impact of this work. In Wales, the parliamentary lead on transport has set out a direction for inclusive travel which clearly shows the influence of our campaigning. Wherever you are in the UK, our voice calling for inclusive streets is loud and clear. Guide Dogs in the Media Guide Dogs helps people with sight loss to feel the magic Guide Dogs has helped the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter to create new tactile tours for visitors with sight loss, as part of our partnership with the world-famous attraction. Guests with vision impairments can touch familiar props and costumes including the wands of central characters Harry, Ron, Hermione and Voldemort, allowing those who are blind or partially sighted to immerse themselves in the world of Harry Potter. Penny Hefferan and guide dog Questa visited to share feedback on how the tour could be made more accessible. Penny, from Essex, said: “I’d always thought how fantastic it would be to touch some of the displays, and I’m really thrilled to have been able to do so. It exceeded my expectations and really brought everything alive for me.” BBC News covered the new tours, showing Penny being guided around, while BBC Radio Three Counties interviewed her. The Daily Telegraph online and MSN News also created features about the best accessible attractions in London, inspired by and including our partnership with the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. Included here is a photograph of Penny touching props used in the Harry Potter films. Mum really is the word for Connie When we shared the news that great-grandma guide dog mum Connie was spending Mother’s Day with three generations of her family, the story was covered by more than 270 local and national media outlets. Connie shares her Stratford-upon-Avon home with her daughter Sophie, granddaughter Coco and, at the time, Coco’s beautiful litter of guide dog puppies. The story and photos appeared in the Daily Mirror, Daily Star, Daily Express, the Independent, The Times and The Scotsman, and on the Daily Express, Daily Mail, Country Living and Oxford Mail websites. It was also mentioned on Sky News, Capital FM, BBC Newsround, and ITV Central West, plus many regional radio stations. Included here is a photograph of yellow Labrador Connie, her black Labrador daughter Sophie, and her black Labrador granddaughter Coco, with Coco’s litter of eight black and yellow Labrador puppies. Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff bats for Guide Dogs Streaming channel Disney+ released its documentary about the life and career of world-renowned cricketer and presenter Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff in April. The show includes shots of guide dog puppy Quiley, who was raised by Freddie and his family. Speaking about raising Quiley, Freddie said: “When you need a cuddle or something like that, he’s always next to me.” Included here is a photograph of yellow Labrador guide dog puppy in training Quiley sitting on a bus, while wearing his “puppy in training” jacket. Star News Life-changing prizes for a life-changing cause Earlier this year, Guide Dogs partnered with Omaze for their Million Pound House Draw. Omaze gives people the chance to win a multi-million-pound house and other life-changing prizes, whilst fundraising for some of Britain’s most-loved charities. By entering the Cotswolds House Draw for Guide Dogs, participants were in with the chance of winning a stunning house in the Cotswolds worth more than £5million. Omaze guarantees a minimum donation of £1million to their charity partner, which in our case helped fund the vital first two months of life for the guide dog puppies born this year. To raise awareness of our partnership with Omaze, actor and Guide Dogs ambassador David Bradley proudly lent his support. He said: “With one in five people expected to experience significant sight loss in their lifetime, the need for these incredible dogs has never been more urgent. “Omaze’s support to fund guide dog puppies as they begin their journey to transform the lives of people with a vision impairment is so important.” David also toured the Cotswolds house where he met one of the guide dog puppies benefiting from the partnership. We are deeply grateful to David and Omaze for their support. The draw has now closed, and to find out the total raised for Guide Dogs, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/omaze. Included here are two photographs. The first is of the Cotswolds house. The second is of David Bradley posing for a photograph at the house with Guide Dogs volunteers and puppies in training. Especially for Carole... Jason Donovan meets guide dog Jason! Here’s the moment actor, singer and general ’80s icon Jason Donovan met his namesake - Jason Dog-ovan! Carole Morgan and her guide dog Jason enjoyed a warm welcome at the New Theatre in Cardiff for the opening night of the former Neighbours star’s tour. He had brought a pen to sign guide dog Jason’s harness, and was interested to hear how getting a guide dog had given Carole freedom, independence and confidence. Carole was delighted when the tour was announced and the star’s management team arranged a special meet and greet for her and her guide dog. Carole said: “My Jason loves meeting people, and I always introduce him as Jason Dog-ovan. My grandchildren call him J-Dog, which happens to be Jason Donovan’s nickname too, according to his team!” Included here is a photograph of Jason Donovan meeting Carole and her golden retriever guide dog Jason in the New Theatre’s auditorium. Our Friends and Family Sighted Guide Training “A lot smoother and much less stressful,” is how Lauren Bateman describes what it’s like to be guided by relatives who’ve had Guide Dogs’ Friends and Family Sighted Guide Training. Lauren added: “Now, we don’t have to stop to focus on the guiding and can have conversations about other things.” These training sessions are specifically tailored for friends, family members and colleagues who want to feel more confident guiding an adult they know with a vision impairment. As well as covering practicalities such as getting around obstacles and the correct grip to use, sessions are a chance to meet others with similar experiences and share tips. After Lauren lost her sight, husband Daniel was the first to be trained. He said: “By the time we went on the training, we’d worked out how to do a lot ourselves, but the training really reinforced what we were doing was right and brought everything together. “I learned some significant tips that really helped, such as getting through doorways and narrow spaces. It made things much easier and allowed me to support Lauren in a way that lets her be more independent.” Lauren’s dad, sister, brother-in-law and mother-in-law have all since completed Guide Dogs’ training. “I can now go out with different people while Daniel’s at work,” explained Lauren. “Going shopping and walking down aisles and through smaller, busy spaces is much less daunting.” The training is also suitable for people who’ve learned sighted guide skills before but want a refresher or to learn more. After three sessions, Daniel was even inspired to become a volunteer sighted guide trainer himself. He said: “Whether you think you’re good or bad at guiding, the course teaches you how to support someone using techniques that increase their independence. It has a big impact on both parties.” Lauren added: “You can ask your questions and queries, get reassurance and practise different tricks and tips in a safe environment. Knowing I’m being guided by someone who’s been properly trained definitely takes away a lot of the stress.” Training sessions are just under two hours long, usually taking place online, in groups of up to eight participants. Face-to-face sessions can also be arranged. The friend or family member with sight loss is also encouraged to attend, but does not have to. Find out more at www.TinyURL.com/SightedGuideTraining. Included here is a photograph of Daniel, Lauren and Lauren’s black Labrador guide dog Grace walking along a pavement. Introducing Guide Dogs’ new strategy – Forward, Together We have launched an ambitious, long-term plan called Forward, Together to guide our work through to the year 2040. As part of this, we’re moving away from having a series of five-year, fixed strategies as we have had previously to a more flexible and progressive approach. Forward, Together is informed by our own extensive research about the lived experience of people with vision impairments, as well as insight from our sector partners. It remains rooted in our vision to help people with sight loss to live actively, independently and well, but it also recognises that the life each of us wants and expects is constantly evolving. Andrew Lennox, Guide Dogs’ CEO, said: “Society is changing faster than at any time in our 90-year-plus history, and so are we. This is challenging. But it’s also exciting. Because the work we do together now will put our charity on the strongest possible footing for the next 90 years. “I’m so proud of this incredible organisation and all the passionate people who go the extra mile to help us deliver our vital services. Forward, Together belongs to all of us – our staff, our volunteers, our supporters and our service users.” To achieve our vision of a world where people with sight loss can truly live the life they choose, we’ll focus on strengthening purpose, access and self-belief through the support we provide. To do this, we’ve identified five strategic priorities: 1. Strengthen our foundations, ensuring our core services are the best they can be. 2. Move beyond just mobility and evolve our expertise to ensure we are offering access to opportunities as well as places. 3. More personalised support around key life moments, stages and transitions. 4. Use tech to enhance dog training and welfare, and become the go-to in tech-driven navigation (refer to the News section for more on this). 5. Reframe expectations of what’s possible for people who have vision impairments. To give ourselves the best chance of success, we’ve divided these priorities across three phases. To find out more about these phases, and learn more about Forward, Together, visit www.TinyURL.com/GuideDogsForwardTogether. For a copy in large print, Braille or on audio CD, contact our Supporter Experience team on 0800 953 0113. Technology and the thriving mindset: enhancing mobility through innovation At Guide Dogs, our goal is to help people with sight loss live the life they choose, and technology can be invaluable to their journey. While nothing will replace the bond between a guide dog and their owner, well-chosen innovations can boost confidence and mobility. Every day in the UK, around 250 people begin to lose their sight, so our focus on new ideas and technologies remains more important than ever. By combining our specialist orientation and mobility training with cutting-edge solutions and a careful testing process, we aim to offer greater independence, choice and access for anyone who needs it. In recent months, we’ve introduced innovations including bone conduction headphones. These use gentle vibrations along the cheekbones to relay sound to the inner ear, allowing users to listen to audio while staying aware of their surroundings - crucial for safe travel. We also have VoiceVista, a navigation app using Global Positioning System (GPS) data and audio prompts to guide users along their route. Meanwhile, the WeWALK Smart Cane 2 feels like a traditional long cane, but has ultrasonic obstacle detection and connects to a smartphone - providing GPS navigation, voice assistant access and step-by-step guidance. Together, these features make it easier to receive updates and move around with greater ease and confidence. We’re also exploring emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) mobility devices like Glide - an electronic travel aid that combines cameras, computer vision and robotics - and continuing our collaboration with Biped Robotics. Together, we’re developing and testing their NOA wearable mobility device, which sits on a user’s shoulders and uses cameras, AI scene descriptions and GPS navigation. By providing real-time information, these technologies open up new possibilities for safe, independent travel, supporting guide dog owners and long cane users alike. Guide dog owner Stuart said: “My guide dog Dax can’t tell me why he has stopped or why he’s trying to take me a different route than normal. However, thanks to AI features in wearable devices such as NOA and the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, I have hands-free access to information about my surroundings, helping me navigate with even more confidence and allowing me to make better-informed decisions.” Stuart’s story shows how AI and wearable tech can enhance the guide dog partnership - never replace it. As technological advances continue, Guide Dogs will keep exploring and shaping these possibilities, ensuring that new ideas truly enrich the everyday lives of the people we support. Included here is a photograph of Stuart, wearing the NOA device, with his black Labrador guide dog Dax. Welcome to our new South East Regional Centre After more than five years of planning and two years of building work, we’re really excited to see our first new building in 15 years in use. Our South East Regional Centre in Redbridge, near London, opened to staff, volunteers and dogs in January. The centre is our first net-zero building, meaning it produces as much energy annually as it consumes, and the site also incorporates the latest in accessible and inclusive design. Another priority was accommodating the best welfare standards for our dogs, including those staying overnight during their training, and a total of 75 dogs can be based at the centre. There are also flexible spaces for Skills, Information and Support Services, Volunteering, Fundraising and other teams to make use of this world-class hub. We’ve also improved the surrounding landscape, adding to the number and diversity of plants and trees across this greenbelt site. It’s a great way to boost the wellbeing of our staff, volunteers and dogs, and it ensures we give something back to the local community. The project was funded almost entirely by the sale of our old training school, which was known as Findlay House and located next door. The rest came from generous donations to our Capital Appeal, and we have recognised some donors by naming rooms and spaces around the new centre after them. Included here are two photographs. The first is of the exterior of the new Guide Dogs South East Regional Centre. The second is of a trainer playing tug with a German Shepherd puppy in training inside the centre’s main training space. Building and dog training photographs: Buro Happold. Guide Dog Trainer Supervisor Roz Wakelin has been based at our Redbridge site for 21 years, part of the centre’s 15 (and growing) Guide Dog Trainer team. Roz said: “We have so much more inside space to train dogs now, plus a large covered outside area when it’s raining. The new office space is custom-built to include dogs, rather than before when we just squeezed them in as best we could. My favourite thing is the lovely roof terrace we can use for our breaks – when it’s not raining, of course!” Included here is a close-up photograph of Roz Wakelin. Lucy Bailey is one of three Dog Welfare Technician Team Leaders, having worked for Guide Dogs for four years. Highlighting her favourite features at the new centre, Lucy said: “The new vet room is excellent for our weekly vet visits. The drop-off runs at the side of the new building work really well for the volunteer fosterers, and we can open them up to make it one big run when it’s playtime for the dogs.” Included here is a close-up photograph of Lucy Bailey. Putting Animal Welfare First: Inside Guide Dogs’ Animal Welfare & Ethics Panel At the heart of Guide Dogs’ mission is a deep commitment to the wellbeing of the special dogs who make our work possible. The Animal Welfare & Ethics Panel plays a vital role in ensuring that we uphold our responsibilities through independent, expert and ethical oversight. The panel brings together respected professionals in fields such as veterinary science, animal behaviour, welfare and ethics, who advise Guide Dogs on our dogs’ health, welfare and wellbeing at every stage of their lives. The panel comprises: Tim Stafford, BSc (Hons), MA who chairs the panel and brings four decades of professional experience with Guide Dogs. Now Principal Officer for Canine Affairs, Tim advocates strongly for evidence-based practices and the development of robust industry standards. Dr Helen Zulch is a veterinarian and recognised specialist in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine. Helen is Associate Professor at the University of Lincoln, where she teaches on the MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour. Denise Laughlin RVN, MSc is a veterinary nurse who worked nationally and internationally in animal welfare and conservation before joining Guide Dogs, where she leads the national Dog Welfare Operations team. Flo Hillen B.SocSci, BVMedSci, BVMBVS, PGCHE, FHEA, MRCVS is a veterinarian working as the clinical assistant professor at the University of Nottingham and is involved in research, teaching, and ethical review within veterinary education and practice. Colonel Mark Morrison VetMB, MA, MSc, MRCVS is a veterinarian who serves as Chief Veterinary and Remount Officer for the Armed Forces. Mark is responsible for setting and assuring veterinary and remount policy, clinical standards and training of both Service personnel and animals. Dr Hannah Wright has a PhD in dog behaviour and a strong background in both research and charity operations. Hannah is Guide Dog Programme Lead at Guide Dogs and brings a science-led but practical perspective to training and service delivery. From shaping policy to supporting investigations, the panel’s work helps to maintain the highest standards and ensures that our approach evolves with the latest knowledge and ethical thinking. Importantly, it also protects the reputation of Guide Dogs, reinforcing public trust in our values and mission. With an annual report to the Audit and Risk Committee, the panel’s oversight is as rigorous as it is essential. Volunteering Claire keeps volunteering for Guide Dogs in the family Like many children, Claire Kirby used to clamour for a pet dog, begging for a puppy every birthday and Christmas. And like many parents, Claire’s mum Susan said no – until she became a volunteer puppy raiser (or puppy walker, as the role was known then) for Guide Dogs when Claire was 13. The family took on Volley, a black Labrador, who was destined to become a guide dog dad and a permanent member of the family. But Volley’s legacy didn’t end there – he inspired Claire to not only eventually become a puppy raiser herself, but to embark upon a career with Guide Dogs. Claire’s now a Technical Learning Specialist in Shrewsbury, alongside being a puppy raiser and training dog fosterer. But even guide dog trainers aren’t immune to the occasional mishap with a spirited puppy. Claire said: “I once took a puppy on holiday to Weymouth and after a run and a swim, she was lying under my mum’s beach chair in the shade. “The next thing I knew, mum was on her back, still in the chair – the puppy had been very quietly digging in the sand behind the chair and my poor mum (and her chair) fell in the hole!” Fortunately, having raised seven guide dog puppies herself since Volley joined the family, Susan saw the funny side. The family history of volunteering has given Claire a greater insight into what her fellow puppy raisers experience. She has attended puppy classes with her own pups and got to know local puppy raisers and their dogs, and sometimes her pup’s classmates have come to her for their next stage of training. She said: “Mum’s Puppy Development Advisors were always so understanding and supportive. And I know what the puppy raisers are going through, I empathise with them saying goodbye and I know how hard they work. “The biggest worry is giving the dog up at the end but you get so many updates, and you change someone’s life. And it’s fun! You have a laugh. It can be stressful but you can get through it with the support of the staff and you feel really proud at the end.” We are currently recruiting for volunteers to raise our puppies and to look after our guide dog mums; to find out more about volunteering with our dogs, please visit www.TinyURL.com/VolunteerWithOurDogs. Included here is a photograph of Claire in the countryside with a black Labrador called Ulric and a yellow Labrador called Wyn. In memory of puppy raiser Madge Nightingale We are very sad to share the news that long-standing puppy raiser Madge Nightingale has died. One of our most dedicated volunteers, Madge began puppy raising for Guide Dogs in 1981 after hearing a radio appeal for puppy raisers living in built-up areas. She was proud to be a puppy raiser, and even prouder of every life-changing puppy she raised; so much so, Madge and husband David kept photos of all 49 guide dog puppies they raised in the hall of their Birmingham home. Madge was an inspiration to many and alongside her puppy raising, she would promote the charity as a volunteer speaker and in the media. Andrew Lennox, Guide Dogs CEO, said: “Madge was a tremendous all-round supporter of Guide Dogs, but she shone brightest in her role as volunteer puppy raiser. “She was a much-loved and respected member of Guide Dogs whose contribution was truly astounding. I know that she will be sorely missed by many staff and volunteers, but we take comfort in her life which was filled with love, kindness and purpose.” Madge’s puppy raising legacy is impressive: 31 of her puppies qualified as guide dogs, one became a buddy dog providing support and companionship to a vision-impaired child, and one entered our breeding programme as a guide dog dad, fathering future life-changers. Nichola Lee, Puppy Development Advisor, said: “I had the privilege of being Madge’s Puppy Development Advisor for a couple of years. During this time, Madge was very much at the heart of our Birmingham volunteering community. As a determined and passionate individual, she supported her fellow volunteers through meetups and puppy classes - wanting every puppy raiser and guide dog puppy to be a success. She did everything with a smile and was an inspiration to everyone. We will miss her.” We pay our respects to Madge as a puppy raiser and friend who gave so much to Guide Dogs and to people with sight loss: her last two puppies, Hope and Quizzie, qualified as guide dogs in 2023. As an organisation, we cannot put into words the dedication and support Madge has given us over the years. She was a rare and shining light that we won’t forget. Our thoughts are with her family and friends. Included here are two photographs. The first is of Madge receiving an award at a Guide Dogs event. The second is of golden retriever guide dog Quizzie wearing the iconic white guiding harness. Meet the trainers! If you tell someone you work for Guide Dogs, their first question will usually be “Are you a trainer?”, and we do have lots of trainers in the organisation – in more roles than you might expect. There are our Guide Dog Trainers (GDTs) of course, but also Guide Dog Mobility Specialists (GDMSs), Vision Rehabilitation Specialists (VRSs), and Habilitation Specialists. We also have Sighted Guide Trainers, Puppy Development Advisors, Breeding Dog Advisors; the list goes on. With so many staff sharing their expertise with thousands of people every year, how do we ensure that the help we’re giving is the best it can be? The answer’s a mixture of initial support and teaching, and ongoing training in the form of Continuous Professional Development (CPD). This year we’ve seen colleagues across Guide Dogs pass, qualify and graduate from their respective courses with flying colours. Our Guide Dogs Academy launched in 2022 to recruit, train and retain our technical staff (those working directly with our dogs). Hannah Webb-Martin was in our first cohort, and she’s just graduated having matched her final partnerships as an Academy learner. Hannah said: “I couldn’t have asked for a better class as my last one before becoming a fully-fledged GDMS.” Hannah’s in good company - GDTs Ciaran, Ellie and Charlotte celebrated their graduation at our South East Regional Centre recently, and four more GDTs and seven more GDMSs are set to qualify in the next few months! They will join local teams across the UK to train and match more guide dog partnerships. We’re also focused on maintaining and building on skills as people move through their career - Simon Cope is our Adult Services Operations Lead. He said: “We have a large group of colleagues undertaking their Level Three Award in Education and Training course, ensuring their skills are up-to-date. By training the trainers everyone gets the best support, because that learning benefits the staff themselves, then those who learn from them, and then the people they go on to assist.” And there’s more! Our VRSs build living and orientation skills in those waiting for a guide dog, so they are ready to train. When Forward went to press, our latest cohort were due to graduate in July from their two-year FdSc Rehabilitation Work – Visual Impairment course at Birmingham City University. For more information about a career at Guide Dogs, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/about-us/careers. Included here are two photographs. The first is of Hannah Webb-Martin holding two young yellow Labrador puppies. The second is of Ciaran, Ellie and Charlotte, holding their graduation certificates, with Technical Learning Specialist Emma. Archie’s story Sport-mad Archie dreams of getting to the Paralympic Games. Described by his parents as “fiercely competitive”, Archie currently holds a host of British men’s swimming records at the age of just 17. He narrowly missed out on a place at last year’s Paralympics in Paris. By continuing to work hard, in and out of the pool, and with support from Guide Dogs to build his independence, Archie wants to represent his country at the highest possible level of his sport in 2028. “I just really enjoy playing all sports and testing myself,” said Archie. “I compete in Jujitsu, which I really enjoy because I spar with everyone, not just people with a vision impairment. I also play cricket which is specially adapted for people with sight loss. It’s really nice to be in a team and messing about with friends. I also do surfing and swimming which I really enjoy, and I’m good at.” The teenager is being characteristically modest when he says he’s good at swimming – he broke his first British men’s record at the age of 14, and currently holds five British men’s records in the S11 category: two short course records for 50m breaststroke and 100m breaststroke, and three long course records for 50m breaststroke, 50m backstroke and 100m breaststroke. When he broke the long course 100m breaststroke record in July last year, it had previously stood for 24 years. Archie said: “I started training more and more, and I really wanted to test myself so I began entering swimming competitions. After I swam in my first one, I really enjoyed it – the environment was really fun – so I started doing more. And then putting in more hours in training, working harder in the pool and gym. It’s all grown from there.” Archie’s dad Charlie describes his oldest son as “a fish”. Charlie said: “From the first moment of seeing Archie in the water, we realised he was incredibly good at swimming. And then that fed into his competitive nature and his tenacity to succeed. I know the hard work Archie has put into his swimming and to see him get the results he has makes us feel really proud.” Last year, Archie was invited to Paris for trials for the Paralympic Games. While he didn’t make the team, he has earned a place on the Paralympic Inspiration Programme. “It was an honour to be invited,” said Archie, “and I did pretty well too – I actually got a personal best, so I was pleased with that. I was also in the call room with Adam Peaty, which was really cool. I look up to him because he is a breaststroker and that’s the stroke I like swimming best. Also, I admire how he prepares for races – so to swim straight after him was pretty surreal. “I want to get to the highest level possible with my swimming. I’m hoping to get my international classification soon and then I can compete internationally, and maybe then in the Commonwealth Games next year, and then the Paralympics in three years.” Archie’s sight loss Charlie said: “When Archie was a baby, everything was pretty normal. Then around 18-months-old, we noticed his eyes started wobbling. At first it was at night, or if he was tired, but then he started doing it more and more, so we were advised to go to an eye specialist. At 20-months-old he was diagnosed with having severe retinal dystrophy. “It was really hard because we didn’t have any guarantees of anything. We knew it was degenerative. We knew it was severe. But we didn’t know if Archie was going to lose his sight. Nobody could give us any clue about what would happen in the future.” Retinal dystrophy is a genetic condition which affects the cells in the retina at the back of the eyes, and over time stops them from working. Archie’s younger brother Hugo has the same condition. Charlie continued: “Today Archie is officially registered as being severely sight impaired. He is amongst a small group of people who have no light perception or cannot see light. But that didn’t happen straight away, he lost his sight in stages so first his peripheral vision went, then his night vision, and eventually his central vision when he was around seven years old. “We found the best way we could support Archie was to not let his sight loss be a constraint for anything he wants to do. Archie has always been fiercely tenacious. He stops at nothing to win, but in a very sportsman-like way.” Support from Guide Dogs Archie has received support from Guide Dogs funded by his local authority, North Yorkshire County Council. Senior Habilitation Specialist Andrew Lambert worked with Archie on his mobility and long cane skills last summer, as Archie was preparing to change schools for his A-levels. Charlie said: “At 17, like all young people, he is going through that change from being a child where your parents do everything for you, to being independent and wanting to meet your friends in town or go out on your own.” Charlie says he’s noticed a big difference since Guide Dogs began supporting Archie. “He is so much more independent around the house in making his food, getting his own clothes. We have definitely seen that connection for Archie that Guide Dogs really do “get it” and as parents, that’s what you want. You want to know there are specialists there who can support your children.” Archie added: “My aim is to be as independent as possible. I would love a guide dog in the future. I just love dogs, I think they’re amazing, and having a guide dog would just be a massive help and would mean I can do more on my own.” Charlie concluded: “In a visually impaired world, confidence and independence is what we as parents hope Archie will gain from Guide Dogs’ support. Knowing that there is someone to ask, and someone who can take him wherever he wants to go in the future, feels like a weight has been lifted off our shoulders. To have experts who can answer his questions and support him is invaluable.” Included here are four photographs. The first is a close-up of Archie swimming. The second is of Archie batting in a family game of cricket. The third is of the whole family sitting together. The fourth is of Archie using a long cane to navigate across a Zebra crossing with Habilitation Specialist Andrew Lambert. Sponsor A Puppy “All because a puppy called Pudding smiled at me” Audrey’s happy happening Dear Sir/Madam, I hope my happy happening will interest you. It really began at Christmas 2021 as I was looking through envelopes of appeals, I saw three puppies wanting sponsors. Pudding drew my attention with her appealing eyes. I used to support Guide Dogs with a cheque but this time, I wanted to be more involved. At 90-years-old and with my soft toy puppy, it was good to get Pudding’s progress reports and know how keen she was in training until she was ready for responsibility as someone’s eyes. Pudding bonded well with her new owner Jane, and the photo of them together was thanks enough. Then came a wonderful surprise - my happy happening. Talking to my friends, Jen and Doug, at our local coffee morning, Jen said her blind friend Jane, along with her husband and her new guide dog Pudding, had spent a day with them while on holiday. I had understood that sponsors had no further contact when “their” dog started working as a guide dog, but now I had the opportunity to meet both when Jen and Doug invited me to their home in July 2024. I spent a very happy hour stroking and talking to Pudding as she sat beside me. I wonder how many sponsors have been so lucky. My new friendship is a privilege, of course. When Jane and Pudding featured in the 2024 appeal, I did as asked and now sponsor Custard, and eagerly await her Pupdates. All because a puppy called Pudding smiled at me. Yours sincerely, Audrey Armitage Devon Included here is a photograph of Jane with her golden retriever guide dog Pudding in harness. To find out more about sponsoring a guide dog puppy like Audrey has, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/puppy or call our friendly Supporter Experience team on freephone 0800 953 0113. Legacies Brotherly love leads to Steven’s very special gift to Guide Dogs Gifts in Wills are vital to Guide Dogs, as nearly two out of three guide dogs are funded in this special way. After Steven Thomas’s vision-impaired brother died, Steven was determined to celebrate Stuart’s life by leaving a gift to Guide Dogs. The brothers were born in Macclesfield, Cheshire, and as teenagers in the 1960s, they moved to Manchester where they shared flats together and started a successful engraving and key cutting business. Steven was a talented musician and singer, joining a popular band called The Taveners in the 1960s and ’70s as a saxophonist, playing venues across Manchester and Liverpool. In fact, Steven was still playing in a (different) band right up until he was sadly too ill to travel and play. Stuart was also a music lover, playing the accordion all over Europe. Steven was a keen sportsman; he formed a cricket team called The Rodneys, he was an avid angler and he loved golf, even spending time in his younger years as a caddie on the European tour. It was at his local golf club that Steven met Peter and Marilyn Selwyn, who became firm friends for the next five decades. After Steven died in January 2023 Marilyn, as the executor of his Will, arranged for a cheque for his very kind legacy of £100,000 in Stuart’s memory to be presented to Guide Dogs at one of their favourite golf clubs, Clwb Golff Pwllheli (Pwllheli Golf Club). Steven also left gifts in his Will to the hospice in which his long-term partner, Sharon, passed away after a long battle with cancer, to his friends, and to the beloved golf clubs he had played at throughout his life. Marilyn said: “Steven was a lovely and very artistic man of many talents. Peter and I miss him very much, as do all his friends.” Included here are two photographs. The first is a close-up of the late Steven Thomas. The second is of the cheque for Steven’s legacy gift in his brother’s memory being presented to Guide Dogs at Clwb Golff Pwllheli. We’re so grateful and proud to receive every gift left in every Will, whatever the size. Each one helps change the lives of people with sight loss. To find out more about leaving a gift in your Will to Guide Dogs, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/giftsinwills. Thank You to our Supporters Dear supporters, It’s hard to believe that I have been at Guide Dogs for a whole year now. I have loved learning about how our services make such a difference to the lives of people of all ages who have sight loss. But of course, we couldn’t do our life-changing work without everyone who donates or fundraises for us. People like the incredible Bob Colclough, whose cycling challenges are epic in their scale. Or brave Dave and Margaret Burke, who plunged themselves into icy water for Guide Dogs and who are planning to do it again! I hope you’re all enjoying some summer sunshine, Terry McGrath Chief Marketing & Fundraising Officer Two- and four-legged volunteers from the Coventry Fundraising Group held a collection before Coventry City Football Club’s game against Preston North End, raising £2,237. Charles Bloch, former guide dog owner and deputy group co-ordinator, said: “We’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone at Coventry City Football Club for supporting us with this collection. Our volunteers and dogs had a fantastic time meeting football fans before the match and were overwhelmed by their generosity.” Included here is a photograph of the Coventry Fundraising Group collecting outside Coventry City’s stadium. As if taking on the Belfast City Marathon in May for Guide Dogs wasn’t enough of a challenge, Antonio McKenzie decided to make things more interesting by wearing the weight of a fully grown guide dog along the 26.2-mile course! Antonio, from Carrickfergus, said: “My mother-in-law Christine received her guide dog Herbie last year and the positive impact he’s had on her life motivated me to add an additional 40kg, via a weighted vest.” Antonio had plenty of support along the course from family and friends, and raised £3,350. Included here is a photograph of Antonio, Christine and her golden retriever guide dog Herbie in the garden. After appearing in the last edition of Forward for cycling solo down the Atlantic coast of America to raise money for Guide Dogs, Bob Colclough has been at it again. This time Bob, from Leigh in Staffordshire, rode an anti-clockwise loop of New Zealand’s South Island, starting and finishing in Christchurch. Bob completed the 1,333-mile challenge, with 64,000 feet of elevation, in just 22 days. Raising £3,065, this epic trip was in memory of the two retired guide dogs that Bob and wife Karen rehomed, named Hattie and Grace. Bob is also a volunteer driver and fundraiser. Included here is a photograph of Bob with his bike packed and ready to go in New Zealand. Members of the Poppy Lounge in Swansea have raised more than £2,500 to name a puppy in tribute to a much-missed guide dog owner. Trevor Skinner and yellow labrador retriever Ash were staunch fundraisers for Guide Dogs and made many friends at the community group, which meets on Monday mornings. When Trevor died, members arranged a series of events in his memory to reach their fundraising goal in just three months. Puppy raising volunteer Lynne Richards visited the Lounge to thank the members and said: “They were over the moon at their achievement.” Included here is a photograph of Lynne Richards meeting members of the Poppy Lounge. Andrew Harper-Walker was inspired to take on the Great North Run for Guide Dogs by a regular customer and their guide dog at his deli/café, The Patisserie Malton in North Yorkshire. When he didn’t quite reach his fundraising target his friend Gilly Robinson, owner of The Cook’s Place event space in the town, teamed up with him to host a supper club. A fun evening had 11 diners learning how to make a dish while blindfolded, and then enjoying their hard work. With all proceeds going to Guide Dogs, Andrew and Gilly were able to donate a total of £2,000. Included here is a photograph of Andrew preparing food for the supper club. Dave and Margaret Burke, volunteer fundraisers and puppy raisers from Fife, did a Polar Plunge in Antarctica while on holiday and raised £570 for Guide Dogs. Margaret said: “Over the past ten years, since we became puppy raisers, we have come to understand how having a guide dog gives independence to those with a vision impairment. We recognise that these wonderful dogs cost a lot to train and we wanted to play our part.” The pair are now planning another icy plunge for Guide Dogs in the Arctic Ocean off Svalbard, Norway, in August 2025. Included here is a photograph of Dave and Margaret about to jump into the Antarctic Ocean from their cruise ship’s exploration deck, which is a specially designed portal at water level on one side of the ship. They are surrounded by the crew, who are there to make sure Dave and Margaret are safe. The Chard, Crewkerne and Ilminster Fundraising Group in Somerset held a collection at Westlands Entertainment Venue in Yeovil, having been invited to the theatre by author and Guide Dogs supporter John Nichol. John was performing his one-man show and book tour, The Unknown Warrior, and at the end, and having been a fosterer himself, he invited Guide Dogs volunteers on stage while he spoke about the charity. Afterwards, the group collected £274.10 as John signed books and posters for fans in the foyer. Included here is a photograph of John Nichol with members of the Chard, Crewkerne and Ilminster Fundraising Group in the foyer of the Westlands Entertainment Venue. Volunteer Kyle Gentry was among 2,500 people who braved the waves at the New Year’s Day Swim in Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire. He was cheered on by wife Stephanie, who said: “It was a chilly day, but the rain and wind held off, so we will count that as a win. The kids enjoyed cheering Kyle on, especially knowing it was for such a great cause.” Kyle raised £648, which was topped up to £1,200 by the Swim Committee. What a great start to the Pembrokeshire group’s 50th anniversary year! Included here is a photograph of Kyle with his children on the beach. Norwich Fundraising Group joined thousands of people up and down the UK in April for Guide Dogs’ annual Make Every Cuppa Count event. The tea party was opened by Norwich Town Crier Bob Lloyd at the city’s Honesty Library, raising £180.27. Annette Smart, Group Coordinator, said: “It was fantastic taking part in our annual Make Every Cuppa Count fundraiser, and to be joined by the Norwich Town Crier to open our event. As a guide dog owner myself, I know just what an amazing difference a guide dog can make to someone with sight loss.” Included here is a photograph of members of the Norwich Fundraising Group with Town Crier Bob Lloyd. Natalie Dixon ran the London Marathon for Guide Dogs, having grown up with the charity. Nat was a casual kennels worker at our former Tollgate site in Leamington Spa aged 17, and her mum is Janine Dixon, who’s Breeding Operations & Welfare Lead at our National Centre. Nat crossed the finish line with Katharina Hutchings, Guide Dogs’ Volunteer Communications and Relationship Specialist who was also running for the charity. Katharina spotted that Nat was struggling a little near the end of the race, and kindly offered to run the last mile with her. Nat raised £2,125, and Katharina raised £2,121. Included here are separate photographs of Natalie and Katharina, both wearing their Guide Dogs-branded running kit. When Gemma Fairhurst had a heart attack 10 years ago, aged 29, she was told she needed to change her life. She took up puppy raising and was given Ian, a seven-week-old yellow Labrador/golden retriever cross who did just that. Ian was later partnered with a guide dog owner called Mark, who planned with Gemma for Ian to return to her in retirement. Sadly, Ian died a year away from hanging up his harness. In February, Gemma took Ian on one last fundraising walk for Guide Dogs in Blackpool before he was put to sleep, raising £8,579 to name another guide dog puppy Ian. Included here is a photograph of puppy raiser Gemma with yellow Labrador/golden retriever cross guide dog Ian. A Day in the Life Of… James Betts, Video Producer “With so much activity going on every day at Guide Dogs, we want to share what’s happening – and that’s where the role of a Video Producer comes in. When I joined I thought I’d be working with dogs, and in my four years here I have made films about puppies, dogs in training, working partnerships and rehomed dogs. “However, alongside that it’s been about people – the staff, volunteers and service users who work with the dogs, but also those behind our other services, from CustomEyes books to Family Services, to Vision Rehabilitation Services. “My time is divided into three main areas – planning our shoots, actually capturing the footage, and editing and producing the films. On a non-filming day I’ll be in the office working on the preparation for a shoot, or in the editing suite, looking at the footage and shaping the final film. “The process starts weeks before the filming date with briefs, storyboards, call sheets and schedules, so we arrive knowing exactly what we need to film and how it will be used. “On a filming day, we could be at a Guide Dogs site, but we’ve also filmed all over the country, in a range of locations – we even did a film last year at the Eden Project in Cornwall. The people involved in a shoot can range from just me to a whole crew of video producers, specialists from our Digital and Social teams, and colleagues to help direct the day and help our interviews run smoothly. “Filming days are usually fairly intense and can be long, but it’s a real privilege to meet the service users, staff and volunteers, and hear their stories. Once we’ve finished and packed the kit away I usually drive home running through the footage in my head and starting to plan things out! “Our films are used in a variety of ways across our media channels. For example, the Eden Project film was all about our Family Services, and sits on our website to provide an introduction to that area. “In the past I’ve also assisted with “Pupdates”, which are an integral part of our Sponsor a Puppy scheme which connects sponsors with the progress their pups are making. “And we make lots of short-form films for our social channels, as well as filming for messages to staff and volunteers. For me, nothing gets the message across as well as creating the best film I can.” You can discover the video James made about a Family Event at the Eden Project by visiting www.tinyurl.com/EdenProjectGuideDogs. Included here is a close-up photograph of James Betts smiling at the camera. Letter & Caption Competition I’m dunwalkin’, now I’m reconnectin’, did we land on your doorstep? In 2006, my former partner and I, with our faithful hound Havoc, set off from John O’Groats to begin walking Britain’s coastline. We raised more than £25,000 for Guide Dogs and it took 11 months, walking 15-20 miles per day, carrying a tent and covering more than 5,000 miles in total. Quite an odyssey! I’d love to reconnect with the supporters and volunteers we met en route. These people provided shelter at times, fed us, encouraged us and donated to Guide Dogs. When asked “which was your favourite bit of the walk?”, my reply is the kindness, generosity and assistance shown to us around the UK. Everyone we met was fantastic, but unfortunately I have lost all their contact details and, all these years later, I would like to thank them once again for their help. I would like to appeal to any Forward readers we met, or to anyone who would like to know more about our walk, to visit the website www.DunWalkinBook.online where there are contact details, or call the Forward team on 0118 354 0492. Please do not hesitate to get in touch. Paul Barber Included here is a photograph of Paul and supporters on the walk. Caption Competition Black Labrador guide dog Sadie met her robot counterpart, Robbie, at an inclusive design conference in Scotland earlier this year. Sadie’s owner, Ruby Shah, attended the conference as she’s part of Guide Dogs’ Assistive Technology team. Included here is a photograph of Sadie staring curiously at four-legged robot Robbie who is “walking” across the floor towards her. What would you caption this photo? Send your suggestions to: Forward, Communications Team, Guide Dogs, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG or email forward@guidedogs.org.uk with your name, address and a daytime phone number. The winner gets a £10 Marks and Spencer voucher. The last competition winner is Miles Ramsden from near Oakham in Rutland, with the caption “I’m GOING to be a celebrity, get me out of here!” Congratulations, Miles! Included here is a photograph of Titch’s paws and nose as he lies underneath his siblings. Competition rules: Open to UK residents only, excluding Guide Dogs for the Blind Association staff, their families and anyone connected with the competition. No purchase necessary. Proof of posting isn’t proof of delivery; no liability accepted for lost, delayed, mislaid or damaged entries. Illegible entries disqualified; one original entry per envelope. Winners notified by phone/email and named in the next issue; they must consent to publication of their name. Editor’s decision is final, no correspondence will be entered into. Entry implies acceptance of these rules. Closing date: 31 August 2025. In Good Company People’s Postcode Lottery awards Guide Dogs £2million in support, reaching a £10million funding milestone The best partnerships are built on solid foundations. What People’s Postcode Lottery and Guide Dogs have built together across the last seven years of collaboration is a fantastic success story. Earlier this year, People’s Postcode Lottery awarded Guide Dogs £2million in funding to support this charity’s Academy throughout 2025. What’s more, People’s Postcode Lottery’s latest gift has taken the amount raised by players and donated to Guide Dogs to an amazing £10million. Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have supported multiple aspects of this charity’s work since 2018. For the last three years, they have funded and followed the journeys of our life-changing puppies from birth into the early stages of training, and also all the incredible dogs, staff and volunteers who were part of that journey. Meanwhile, Guide Dogs’ Academy has transformed our approach to recruiting, developing and retaining the expert staff at the core of our guide dog service (and you can find out more about them later in this document). Last year, Academy recruits trained 76 guide dog partnerships, making a significant contribution to our 2024 total of 518 new partnerships. This year, the £2million of funding from People’s Postcode Lottery will allow our Academy to continue to support trainees and recruit new ones, future-proofing the guide dog service as player-funded trainees will help to create hundreds, if not thousands, of life-changing partnerships during their careers. The donation will also enable our Academy to expand its remit to provide opportunities for professional development for all the staff who work on the guide dog service. Funding through partnerships such as People’s Postcode Lottery is vital to Guide Dogs, allowing us to scale up our training and development facilities, which in turn helps us to use what we learn across all areas of the organisation. It’s an exciting time and we’re looking at where else we can apply the expertise nurtured within our Academy. People’s Postcode Lottery will be the very first corporate partner in Guide Dogs’ history to part-fund every stage of the guide dog journey. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the support we’ve received from People’s Postcode Lottery over the years. Included here are two photographs. The first is of two yellow Labrador puppies asleep together on a blanket covered in Guide Dogs and People’s Postcode Lottery logos. The second is of volunteers and puppies in training at an event to celebrate the Guide Dogs and People’s Postcode Lottery collaboration. Also included here are two logos with the wording “Supported by players of PEOPLE’S POSTCODE LOTTERY” and “Awarded funds from POSTCODE ANIMAL TRUST”. Promotions The following are three advertisements that are presented in different places in this issue of Forward. 1. Guide Dogs | ebay FOR CHARITY Did you know you can help Guide Dogs on eBay? Make Guide Dogs your favourite charity on eBay and support us whenever you shop or sell! Learn more at www.charity.ebay.co.uk Guide Dogs is a working name of The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. Registered Office: Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, Berkshire RG7 3YG. A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (291646) and a charity registered in England and Wales (209617), Scotland (SC038979) and Isle of Man (1334). 2. Guide Dogs We’d love for you to join our pack Whether you’re an avid runner or wanting to take on a new adventure, we have a variety of opportunities for you to get involved and make a difference. Great North Run – 7 September 2025 Royal Parks Half Marathon – 12 October 2025 London Landmarks Half Marathon – 12 April 2026 TCS London Marathon – 26 April 2026 Join #TeamGuideDogs To join #TeamGuideDogs, check out www.guidedogs.org.uk/challenge-events If you’re taking on your own sporting challenge, we’d love to hear from you events@guidedogs.org.uk Included here is a photograph of a lady wearing a Guide Dogs running top as she competes in the Great North Run. 3. GIVEACAR CAR DONATION SERVICE DONATE YOUR CAR FAST | FREE | FOR CHARITY DONATE YOUR CAR IN 3 EASY STEPS STEP 1 Fill out our donation form on our website or call us to submit your details and choose a charity STEP 2 We’ll determine the best option for your vehicle and arrange free collection STEP 3 You’ll receive a receipt from us letting you know how much your car raised for your charity We offer free nationwide collection Free Collection | Any Car | Nationwide Contact us to find out more 0207 736 4242 www.giveacar.co.uk In support of: Guide Dogs Contact details This is a list of phone numbers and contact details arising from the articles in this edition of Forward magazine. Guide Dogs | ebay FOR CHARITY Visit: www.charity.ebay.co.uk To join #TeamGuideDogs Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/challenge-events If you’re taking on your own sporting challenge Email: events@guidedogs.org.uk “Learn with Guide Dogs” Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/learning Guide Dogs Shop Visit: www.GuideDogsTeemillStore.co.uk Design for Inclusion report Visit: www.TinyURL.com/GuideDogsDesignForInclusion Omaze Million Pound House Draw Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/omaze Friends and Family Sighted Guide Training Visit: www.TinyURL.com/SightedGuideTraining Guide Dogs’ new strategy – Forward, Together Visit: www.TinyURL.com/GuideDogsForwardTogether Phone: 0800 953 0113 Volunteering Visit: www.TinyURL.com/VolunteerWithOurDogs Careers at Guide Dogs Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/about-us/careers Sponsor A Puppy Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/puppy Phone: 0800 953 0113 Gifts in Wills Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/giftsinwills Family Event at the Eden Project video Visit: www.tinyurl.com/EdenProjectGuideDogs DunWalkin Visit: www.DunWalkinBook.online Phone: 0118 354 0492 Caption Competition Post: Forward, Communications Team, Guide Dogs, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG Email: forward@guidedogs.org.uk GIVEACAR Phone: 0207 736 4242 Visit: www.giveacar.co.uk Close.