Dogsey

Lincolnshire Co-op shoppers have helped raise £1,338 to be spent on training guide dogs - life changing companions for the visually impaired.

A local branch of the charity Guide Dogs for the Blind was nominated as a Community Champion for the Lincolnshire Co-op food store in Burgh le Marsh, while money was also raised at Messingham, Scotter and Waltham food stores for the national charity.

The scheme sees every dividend card holder linked to a good cause close to where they live. Each time they shop, a donation goes to that group.

Volunteer and dog recipient Val Liffer said she couldn’t imagine the freedom having a guide dog gave her. “I didn’t realise how restricted I was until I got my first dog,” she said. “They’re so adaptable, they can do anything that you want them to and they make you so brave!”

Since being given her first guide dog over a decade ago, Val has attended college and gone on to university in Nottingham, where she attained a Masters degree in Counselling.

Val’s dog, Sweep, helps her to cross roads, climb stairs and get on and off buses; she says that he’s much more than a helper to her: “He’s a constant companion, he’s always there. I can’t even go to the loo without him trying to follow me.”