Honoured for Guide Dog work
A Wishaw volunteer has been given an award for her services to the Guide Dogs charity.
Elaine Perry was presented with the Inclusive and Embracing Award at the Guide Dogs Local Volunteer Awards, held in Hamilton recently.
Kind-hearted Elaine, who lost her sight due to a condition known as retinitis pigmentosa, has been heavily involved with the charity since being partnered with her guide dog Ricky.
Elaine said: “I was pleased to be nominated and delighted to win.
“Having to stop working as a paediatric nurse in 2015, I felt I’d lost a sense of purpose, and that was when I started volunteering as a speaker and fundraiser.
“I love telling everyone about the difference my guide dog Ricky has made. He allows me to lead a normal, independent life, that I couldn’t possibly have without him.
“Without funding, people like me wouldn’t be able to have a marvellous guide dog like Ricky and that’s what inspires me to fundraise.
“I would encourage anyone with a few hours to spare to consider becoming a volunteer for Guide Dogs.
“It’s so worthwhile and is also a fun and fabulous way to make new friends.”
Anyone interested in volunteering with the charity can visit www.guidedogs.org.uk or call the Glasgow team on 0345 143 0206.