Michelle is playing guide dog for the day and guiding her mum Louise round a half marathon.

Louise's story:

In January this year I received the sad news that Trinity, my third Guide Dog, had to retire early, due to a bad back. This was devastating news as my independence was taken away, A simple task of going to get a pint of milk was now impossible.

I went through an assessment to be placed on the list for another Guide dog, unfortunately this can be a slow process, made worse by the pandemic. While I wait for a dog I have been receiving long cane training, provided by Guide dogs, so at least I can now make it to the supermarket independently.

This has been a very difficult time for me, at times my mood has been very low. So what better way to keep me positive and motivated, all while raising some much needed funds for Guide Dogs, than to train and then run a half marathon? This has been made extra special as it’s the first time my daughter, Michelle, will be guiding me.

Michelle's story:

I am running the London Landmarks Half Marathon as my mum's guide runner in aid of Guide Dogs. My mum asked me if I would like to guide her round a half marathon this summer and in a moment of pure madness, I agreed. My job is to get my mum across London safely (without running her into a curb, a lamppost, or down any potholes etc!). In order to not show her up (my mum runs half marathons for fun whereas I have only just completed the Couch to 5K) I have decided to give it my all over the next few months so that we can cross the finish line with smiles on our faces!

We are running for Guide Dogs because the charity has changed my mum's life. She has had three amazing guide dogs over the last 15 years (Opal, Quinta and Trinity) and is currently on a wait list for her next guide dog following Trinity's retirement. This period without a guide dog (made longer due to the pandemic) is incredibly difficult for my mum and is a harsh reminder that without this charity she would not have her independence or be able to be the person she is today!