Waterlooville golfers raise £2,500 for Guide Dogs for the Blind

The charity was chosen by senior section captain Roger Penney during his one-year captaincy.

Waterlooville Golf Club’s senior section raised the money through a range of events such as raffles and silent auctions and a cheque was presented to the charity at the senior section annual dinner at the start of the month.

Due to the amount raised, Mr Penney was given the opportunity to name a guide dog puppy which he called Bertie, after his wife’s late father.

Mr Penney said: ‘Every year the seniors captain chooses a charity to support and I chose Guide Dogs as my charity for several reasons.

‘Both my parents suffered from bad eyesight and I have some friends who are dog walkers. These are people who take care of guide dog puppies from four months until they are ready to start training.

‘One of the most awful things, I think, is not being able to see, what is, a beautiful world.’

Katie Smith, the charity’s engagement officer for Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands, said: ‘Throughout 2015 Waterlooville Golf Club fundraised for Guide Dogs. The club raised a staggering £2,500, which will allow them to name a guide dog puppy.

‘We do not receive any government funding for the guide dog service so we are hugely appreciative of the club’s enthusiasm and efforts in raising funds.’

The annual dinner also featured a speech by someone who has benefited from the work of Guide Dogs.

Guide Dogs provides mobility and freedom to blind and partially sighted people. They also campaign for the rights of people with visual impairment, educate the public about eye care and fund eye disease research.

To learn more about the charity, naming a guide dog puppy or joining the Ports-mouth and District support group, email Katie Loucaides at [email protected] or visit guidedogs.org.uk.