Susie Dent joined supporters of Guide Dogs in Oxford as a team of endurance fundraisers passed through the city during an ambitious 1,500-mile challenge across the British Isles.
The group gathered at Cutteslowe Park to welcome the South North Adventures team, led by Kevin Dutton of the University of Oxford.
The four-person team is attempting a world-first journey from the Minquiers islands to a rock formation in the North Sea, travelling by rowboat and tandem rickshaw to raise funds for Guide Dogs and other charities supporting children and young people.
During their Oxford stop, the team met volunteers, staff and families supported by Guide Dogs, learning more about the charity’s work with children and young people living with sight loss. The organisation provides services that help build independence and confidence, as well as support for families.
Local puppy raisers were also present with their dogs, highlighting the vital role volunteers play in training future guide dogs.
These volunteers care for puppies from around eight weeks old until they are between 12 and 16 months, preparing them for advanced training. With demand for guide dogs continuing to grow, the charity is seeking more volunteers across Oxfordshire.
Susie Dent, who serves as a Guide Dogs ambassador, used the occasion to encourage more people to get involved.
“Having taken part in a volunteering scheme with Guide Dogs myself, I know how rewarding the experience can be. But more people are needed to help raise the next generation of guide dogs, ready for life-changing partnerships with people with sight loss.
“I’d urge anyone who wants to make a real difference, and who has time, space and love to give to a future guide dog, to volunteer as a puppy raiser. Like Johanna and her guide dog puppy, Peaches.
“It’s been fantastic meeting up with the team from Guide Dogs – as well as others who have benefited from their work, such as Erin and her incredible buddy dog Quince. We were all there to cheer on the South North Adventure team whose fundraising will benefit so many young people.
“It’s important to say that Guide Dogs is funded almost entirely by donations. This means that the charity’s vital, varied support services – like those I’ve seen examples of today – are only possible with the support of fundraisers like this incredible team.”
Dr Johanna Scheinost, a volunteer from Oxford, added:
“Peaches is our third guide dog puppy. We’ve worked on lots of socialisation and reinforcement training since we first got her, almost a year ago.
“She’s been a star throughout and will soon be progressing to the next stage of her training. It will be a sad moment when she leaves, but it’s so rewarding knowing that she will hopefully go on to change someone’s life by giving them greater independence.”
The visit also highlighted Guide Dogs’ broader support, including buddy dog partnerships and habilitation services that help young people develop mobility and independence skills.
As the South North Adventures team continues its journey, donations are being encouraged to support charities like Guide Dogs and their work with children and young people.
