Guide dogs fundraisers Ann and Flora need home for stall
A BLIND 78-year-old woman has raised £3,624 for a charity close to her heart in 2016 – by running a stall at a local hospital.
Ann Boland, from Aberdare, raised the considerable sum for Guide Dogs Cymru in 2016 with the help of guide dog Flora and a weekly charity stall at Merthyr Tydfil’s Prince Charles Hospital.
But, as the hospital is undergoing a renovation, Mrs Boland needs a new venue for her stall to sell toys, stationery and craft items – and the pensioner said she’s not giving up.
For the time being, the great-grandmother will continue her fundraising with dog-shaped collecting boxes in local pubs, shops and opticians, while her next fundraising day will be at the Tesco store in Merthyr Tydfil on Wednesday, January 25.
Ms Boland said: “We enjoyed being at the hospital, because people came there from all over.
“We’ve been there every week for three years, and everyone loves Flora. Many people have said they will miss seeing us.
“People want to know where the dogs go when they retire, and I enjoy sitting and answering their questions. Flora is marvellous with children, and the hospital staff love her.”
Flora is Mrs Boland’s third guide dog since losing her sight more than 20 years ago. Speaking about finding a new venue for her fundraising, Ann added: “I’ve no plans to give up. Everyone is so generous, and I really enjoy meeting people. That’s all down to my guide dogs, so fundraising is my way of saying thank you.”
To support Guide Dogs Cymru, or to offer Mrs Boland and Flora a new venue for their stall, email frank.greig@guidedogs. org.uk or call call Frank Greig on 07766 367081.