Charity launches campaign ahead of awareness week
A new campaign has been launched, called Stand Out for Guide Dogs, to raise awareness of the difficulties of blind and partially sighted people.
Guide Dogs, the charity behind the campaign, is asking the public to show their support by "standing out" in high-visibility yellow – the colour of the guide dogs' harness – in a series of sponsored walks.
One of the walks, which has already taken place along London's Embankment, was joined by Andrea Begley, winner of talent show, The Voice.
Andrea, who is partially sighted, was accompanied by an entourage of guide dog puppies in-training for the luminous night walk.
In celebration of the launch, the EDF Energy London Eye was also lit up neon yellow.
The campaign's headline event is called the Four Legs Tour, which will involve a number of nationwide events to highlight the great freedom that guide dogs bring to their owners.
The public will be able to follow the journey throughout, plus donate, via a live feed and the tour will culminate in London with a neon yellow fashion show.
Stand Out for Guide Dogs comes ahead of Guide Dogs Week 2013, taking place between October 5 and 13, which aims to raise money to help blind and partially sighted people live full and independent lives.
"Guide Dogs Week this year is our biggest and most ambitious yet," said Richard Leaman, chief executive officer of the charity.
"Nearly two million people in Britain are living with sight loss that has a significant impact on their daily lives, and Guide Dogs is here to help them get out and about, and to enjoy the quality of life they want and deserve."
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
