The children of St Joseph’s Primary were delighted to welcome Mrs Bridget Carr of the Guide Dogs for The Blind charity and her faithful companion, golden retriever Michelle to school this week. Mrs Carr presented a talk to the children about the inception of the charity, the great number of dogs trained and the still increasing numbers of people with limited sight issues who benefit from having a guide dog.
Mrs Carr explained how her own life had changed as soon as Michelle came into her life, allowing her to be able to lead a more independent life and providing her with a new found companion and friend.  The children were astonished to learn that although the training of a guide dog costs thousands of pounds, Michelle had only cost Mrs Carr 50p to buy!

Mrs Carr then went on to conduct some activities with the children blindfolded to help them appreciate life as a blind person and the children joined in enthusiastically. Cheers of delight went up as Mrs Carr proceeded to demonstrate brushing Michelle’s teeth, thus demonstrating some of the grooming and health routines for Michelle and something Michelle obviously truly enjoys!

Inspired by Mrs Carr’s story and the presence of Michelle the children themselves asked for us to fundraise for the Guide Dogs for the Blind.  As a result, we hope to host a ‘crazy hair’ day in December to raise funds for this much needed charity.