Features

Volunteering Week Guide Dogs for the Blind Association

If it weren't for the sighted guide who "means the world" to her, 93 year old Hollie Pemberton would only leave home once every week to buy food. While he grandmother of two is physically able, she lacks confidence to leave her house alone, as she has very little sight.

But thanks to volunteer, David Oliver, partnered with Hollie through the charity Guide Dogs' My Guide service, Hollie can enjoy trips to the museums and statel homes that she lives. 

In February 2012, Hollie and David became Lancashire's first ever My Guide partnership. Since their pairing, a firm friendship has blossomed and on Wednesday 17th May, they tool home the 'My Guide Partnership' Award at Guide Dogs Annual event which took place at the Hurlingham Club, London.

Hollie, who lives in Preston states: " My family all live over an hour away, so it's difficult for them to visit. But thanks to My Guide, I am still able to walk through the park, listening to the birdsong and the river babbling along. It's wonderful.

"David and I get on so well, we have a lovely friendship. David and the My Guide Service have given me so much- My Guide should be all over the world!"

David is 69, and lives in Preston with his wife of 45 years, Julie , and her guide dog, Queenie. David, a retired aerospace engineer, said: " We both look forward to Wednesdays Hollie enjoys talking about the old days, and we have some fascinating conversations. My Guide has given Hollie her interests and independence back, which is so important at her time of life. "

To find out more about Hollie and David's story, follow the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgHkczGBdZ0 

Guide Dogs' MY Guide service, helps people living with sight loss get out and about and achieve their pwn personal mobility goals, which could include; improving fitness, learning familiar routes or gaining confidence on public transport. 

With Volunteers' Week taking place from 1-7 June if you'd like to find out more about how you can support the charity guide dogs, visit, www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteering  

Want to find out how you can get involved in volunteering week? Have you had experience with volunteering? 

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