Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Guide Dogs are 'engraved' in my mind from a Blue Peter appeal way back in the 1970's where as kids we were all encouraged I recall to collect milk bottle tops. Milk bottles.....wow how the world has changed!! 

Time moves on and I find that my daughter Laura is a Rehabilitation Officer and she tells me about the things she does in assisting blind people in Surrey, making often simple adaptations to the persons living arrangements that can make significant improvements to a persons confidence and quality of life.

I can sort of accept becoming deaf, but as an outdoor loving person one of my worst fears would be losing all or part of my eyesight.  Just stop for a moment close your eyes and imagine the limitations this brings to your 'normal' lifestyle, no driving, cycling or simply taking in a scenic view anymore - let alone not seeing your family as they grow up.  Then there are the day to day details of just getting around your house safely, cooking, making a hot drink, etc. and what would it take to venture outdoors for the first time through our busy streets?

I do appreciate that guide dogs also help disabled people.  I have a friend, married and a mother of three children who was a keen amateur runner before she became partially paralysed from the effects of a stroke and is now wheelchair bound.  The lady has had her ups and downs since and I have seen how her lovely guide dog is more than her helper but also a 24/7 companion that has turned her life around.

Of course I want to complete the Prudential Ride London as a personal challenge while raising as much money as I can for Guide Dogs and will personally match £1 for every £1 donated in support of my ride through this JustGiving page.  Also, as a Councillor in Walton on Thames through which the cycle event passes and Chairman of Walton on Thames Trading Alliance, I can demonstrate my support for this great event. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.