Guide Dogs Walk

A RAYLEIGH woman with severe sight impairment has completed a charity walk along Southend seafront, raising £3,000 for Guide Dogs.
Penny Hefferan walked nine-miles from Shoebury to Chalkwell, using a long cane.
Previously, Ms Hefferan was a regular walker in Rayleigh and Southend with her guide dog Questa, but after she was retired, Ms Hefferan is now on the waiting list for another dog.
“Walking nine miles using a long cane isn’t easy at the best of times, and Sunday was an incredibly windy day for it in Southend!” said Ms Hefferan, for whom the walk was the longest one yet that she had done with a cane.
The walk was in memory of her friend and colleague Elaine Hooton — a volunteer puppy raiser who helped bring 21 guide dogs into the world before she passed away last year.
Ms Hefferan’s aim was to raise enough to name a guide dog puppy after Elaine.
Ms Hefferan explained: “I knew Elaine for more than 13 years, initially through her role as a puppy raiser, and later as a colleague.
“She was honest, funny and always happy to help, so I wanted to do something to say “Thank You” to her in the way that she’d approve of, by setting myself a challenge and raising funds for another guide dog pup who will change someone’s life.
“I did this walk using my long cane to guide me.
“This was so much harder than walking the route with a guide dog, but Guide Dogs has ensured that whilst I wait for Questa’s replacement, I have the skills and knowledge to use a cane safely and keep walking whilst I wait for the next chapter in my guide dog journey.”
Guide Dogs South East commented: “Penny’s incredible efforts have already raised over £3,000.
“A huge thank you and congratulations goes to Penny and her supporters.
“Well done to all the family, friends, local volunteers and guide dog puppies who joined Penny along the way.”
To support Ms Hefferan’s fundraiser, visit: justgiving.com/page/southendguides
All donations go towards guide dog training and vision rehabilitation services.
Picture: Ms Hefferan with volunteer puppy raisers and guide dog puppies in training on Southend Seafront. Pic Guide Dogs South East
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