As I’ve got older (this is my 70th year) like so many, I find that a lot of my friends and family (and I) have had to face various health issues. Some situations are more severe than others however, in every case they always seem to manage their situation and with a ‘stiff upper lip’, get as much out of life as they possibly can. No matter how difficult their circumstances may be.

So how can I raise some money for one of the many deserving charities that support people with health issues and what charity do I do it for?

This made me think further. Imagine trying to cope with all of life’s challenges and problems we all have to face, without sight. I cannot image what it would be like and I hope I never have to experience it.

On another note, we have always been dog owners because we find that they bring so much to our family. We have a Labrador (our 3rd) and they’ve all been loyal, loving and very entertaining. She just makes you feel good with her funny ways, even when you are at your lowest ebb.

When I see a Guide Dog helping its blind owner navigate a safe way through a town, I know that dog is giving their owner extra special support in addition to their guiding skills. For example, you can’t cuddle a Sat Nav, can you? More Guide Dogs and a steady supply of them are needed every year and for the future.

So, the conclusion is straight forward. Whilst I can think of many deserving charities that all need support, with all of the above in mind, I have chosen to support Guide Dogs.

I am relying on the generosity of friends, family and the general public who always come up trumps for a worthy cause. I’m going to drive solo around the coast road of the UK in 25 days. My route is measured at 4940 miles, I'm sure it will be over 5000 once I've taken the wrong turning a couple of times and I’m doing it in a 1962 Triumph TR4.

I have funded the whole trip so that all donations received will go directly to Guide Dogs.

I’ve also signed up to a ‘carbon capture/offset’ scheme organised by The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs. They have partnered with the Carbon Offset Motoring Tree*V scheme, who are responsible for planting thousands of trees to capture and offset carbon emissions.

Almost two million people in the UK are living with sight loss that has a significant impact on their daily lives. Of those, around 180,000 rarely leave their homes alone and lead lonely, isolated lives.

Guide Dogs works for a world where people with sight loss are never left out of life, for a world where being blind or partially sighted is not what defines you. A world with enough support to make the challenges of sight loss no barrier to fulfilling hopes and dreams.

Please donate whatever you can to support Guide Dogs through the Just Giving website. Thank you.