Elaine honoured
A Wishaw woman has been honoured for her fundraising efforts by a top national charity.
Elaine Perry won the Innovative Award category at the Guide Dogs Scotland bash.
The award was presented to the individual that strives to continuously improve the services the charity provides.
Elaine was also part of the awardwinning Hamilton Fundraising Group who scooped the best team gong at the ceremony.
As well as fundraising, Elaine, who lost her sight due to a condition known as retinitis pigmentosa, can often be found speaking to local groups about Guide Dogs.
She first became involved with the charity since being partnered with her guide dog Ricky.
She said: “I can never repay Guide Dogs for giving me my guide dog Ricky but by fundraising I can help raise money to help others get a life changing guide dog.
“Being part of a fundraising group is a fantastic way to meet new people and form new friendships; volunteering for Guide Dogs is a lot of fun.”
Elaine, a former paediatric nurse was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa when she was 21.
After a bad fall due to her increasing sight loss, she applied for a guide dog and was matched with Ricky back in 2014.
The Volunteer Awards at St Mary’s Episcopal Church, Hamilton, was an opportunity to celebrate the fantastic difference that the volunteers make to people with sight loss.
If you’re inerested in finding out more about volunteering with Guide Dogs, contact Amy Mcgirr on 0118 983 8123 or email Amy.mcgirr@guidedogs.org.uk.