THREE people whose lives have been transformed by guide dogs called in at a Salisbury care home to thank residents and staff for contributing £1,400 to the charity that supports them.
Katie Ransby, Justin Wright and Richard Burt met with residents and team members at Colten Care’s Braemar Lodge in Stratford Road.
The visit was the culmination of the home’s year-long fundraising campaign for the Salisbury & District branch of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.
Events such as barbecues, quizzes, a garden party and a Christmas market all helped the fundraising effort.
On their visit, Katie, Justin and Richard shared what they are able to do because of their guide dogs.
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Companionship team leader Graham Ballard said: “Katie, who is blind, holds a full-time senior nursing position at Salisbury District Hospital and takes her Labrador Queenie with her everywhere.
“Justin, who has only partial sight and can’t hear either, works full time from home in IT and frequently walks into Salisbury for pleasure with retriever Ned.
“Ned is both a hearing and deaf dog trained to respond when alarms sound such as doorbells and fire alarms.
“Richard is blind and a former Paralympian specialising in skiing events. He has worked with Help For Heroes to encourage soldiers who lose their sight.
"His amazing guide dog Dilly, a German Shepherd, was trained with Queenie and so they share a special bond. Rick lives outside Salisbury but travels in quite frequently thanks to Dilly.”
The funds raised by Braemar Lodge will go towards the two-year training of guide dogs locally and for arranging the rehoming of retired dogs.
Graham added: “The group were thrilled to receive our cheque and when we offered them an invitation to return, they were very happy to accept.”
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After meeting the two- and four-legged visitors, Braemar Lodge resident Catherine Brighty said: “I didn’t realise that guide dogs had such a positive impact and can support people who work full time.
"I’m so pleased that our contribution will go a little way towards guide dog funding and help these people stay in work. It’s clear that without their dogs, life would be far more difficult for them.”
Braemar Lodge residents have chosen the Salisbury Foodbank as their main charity to support for 2024/25.
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