Season of goodwill - Harborough fundraiser hands over £1,600 to Guide Dogs for the Blind

Walkers boost guide dogs charity...back, Diane Crouch and Alison Skakeshaft. Front, Angela Denison, Frank Scott, Dawn Douglas with Nadia, Frances Barnett with Yang and Carole Tilley during the presentation at the Nags Head.

It’s the season of goodwill and generosity to all men and women – and Carole Tilley more than did her bit on Sunday (Dec 15).

The big-hearted great-grandmother topped up the coffers of Guide Dogs for the Blind after staging a sponsored 10-mile walk looping back through Lubenham.

Beaming Carole, 71, said at the presentation at Harborough’s packed Nags Head pub: “I’m thrilled to raise this money for such a brilliant cause.

“I can’t even imagine being blind and living in darkness all the time.

“It must be terrible beyond belief.

“So to help sponsor a puppy to be trained up for a blind person is just amazing.”

The veteran charity stalwart – who’s been a fundraiser for 40 years - did the trek on Sunday October 6 along with a band of 13 fellow volunteers.

“I really do appreciate the efforts and support of the walkers as well as all those who’ve donated money,” said Carole, of Bath Street, Harborough.

“People have been ever so generous.

“And I’m delighted we’ve been able to rake in the cash so quickly and hand it over to Guide Dogs for the Blind just weeks after the event.

“Any one of us could go blind at any time.

“Guide dogs give blind people new lives and get them out of their homes – they couldn’t do without them.”

Sat beside a beautiful golden Labrador guide dog, charity volunteer Diane Crouch, 72, said: “It’s marvellous Carole has organised this walk and raised this money for us.

“We do do our own fundraising, of course, but every penny helps and we are very grateful.”

Frances Barnett, also of Hillside Road, Harborough, also volunteers for Guide Dogs for the Blind in the town.

She said: “I’ve been doing this for 15 years and love it.

“It costs £53,000 to train, feed and look after a guide dog throughout their lives so it’s not cheap.

“But these fantastic dogs are crucial as they allow blind people to live a full a life as possible.

“And they are also their best friends at the same time.”

If you would like to support Guide Dogs for the Blind then please email Frances at: [email protected]

Or visit the charity’s website at: https://www.guidedogs.org.uk