My name is Gillian and this is my son Conor and his assistance dog Toby from the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. 

Conor is 14 years old. He has non verbal autism and moderate learning disability. This big ball of white fluff came into our lives to help Conor 6 years ago. Toby not only helped Conor but he helped all of us. Toby is a very special dog. Everyone needs a Toby! 

Conor is finding things very difficult at the moment and not being able to vocialise how he is feeling makes it harder. Luckily he has his best friend to help him through the bad days. 

Guide dog day has obviously been cancelled this year and is a major loss to the charity. 

Quick few stats ... they currently have 35 visually impaired clients awaiting guide dogs. They opened applications for assistance dogs last year and had 200 applications in 4 minutes. It costs €53,000 to train one dog. The Guide Dogs vitally need funding to continue. 

Myself Conor and Toby pledge to walk 50k steps in 10 days starting tomorrow May the 1st. I know times are tough for everyone but if anyone has a spare few quid we would really appreciate it. 

I will update on our progress! 

Lots of love , Gill Conor and Toby xxx