Selfless volunteers, who contribute their time to boost the lives of individuals dealing with sight loss, have actually been honoured for their dedication at a Lanarkshire awards event.
Volunteers and Guide Dogs staff from throughout the West of Scotland collected at the recent yearly occasion at Saint Mary’s Scottish Episcopal Church in Hamilton.
Zee Al-Maha Oweis started the night with a motivating speech about how her life has actually altered given that being partnered with guide dog, Mitch.
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She said: “Mitch gives me a sense of security and it’s like always having a friend by my side.
“The bond between us is so strong. It’s amazing how sweet and kind he is.
“Before, I’d be sitting down working 24/7 on my laptop – but with Mitch, I go out a lot more. I’m walking every day, meeting friends.”
Each of the volunteers supports the Guide Dogs neighborhood group, based at Auchingramont Road in Hamilton.
(Image: Guide Dogs)
Joan Hill, from Hamilton, was the recipient of the charity’s Princess Alexandra Award for Lifetime Achievement in acknowledgment of volunteers who have actually revealed remarkable dedication to the organisation for more than ten years.
Joan was chosen by a guide dog owner after she took care of their dog, Murdoch, while they remained in health center.
The election read: “Joan arrived at the hospital close to midnight to collect Murdoch.
“Throughout the following week, Joan contacted me every day to give me an update on Murdoch and what he had done, from free runs to church and even a knitting class.
“There aren’t many people that would come out at that time of night to house a dog – and that is why she is an amazing person.
“She dedicates her free time to not only help and support me, but others within the community with a guide dog.”
(Image: Guide Dogs)
Ross Hamilton, a 19-year-old from Newton Mearns, won in the ‘Optimistic’ classification after taking a year out to offer as a puppy raiser rather of going taking a trip.
Puppy advancement consultant Fiona Fraser said: “Not only has Ross not had a dog before, but unfortunately his puppy was sick on arrival and required a lot of care and attention.
“For a teenage boy, this was not an easy test. He has excelled within the role and his dedication is really shining through.
“Ross is moving on to college and I’m hoping he will remain involved in Guide Dogs, if he can, while studying.
“I would like to recognise him for stepping outside his comfort zone, doing something selfless for his year out and helping change someone’s life.”
Guide dog owner Deborah Robertson was the winner of the ‘Expert’ award.
(Image: Guide Dogs)
In nominating Deborah, My Sighted Guide neighborhood advancement officer, Heather Valentine, said: “Deborah often comes along to community sighted guiding training sessions to share her story.
“She is extremely knowledgeable as she has been a guide dog owner and volunteer for a long time. It’s helpful to be able to draw upon Deborah’s knowledge and lived experience of how sight loss can impact people and how guide dogs change people’s lives.
“She is great at chatting to people and answering any questions people have about sight loss, guide dogs and her eye condition so she can share her knowledge and awareness, making the community more inclusive for others living with sight loss.”
Lorraine McIntosh from Carmunnock accepted the ‘Partner’ award for the work she carries out as a fosterer for the charity’s Hamilton workplace. Lorraine’s election by Guide Dogs fitness instructor Jacqui McVeigh explained her as “going above and beyond” to support the advancement of one the charity’s student guide dogs.
Said Jacqui: “Lorraine was an existing dog health and health and wellbeing volunteer in the group prior to choosing she would like attempt promoting.
“She was matched to Benji, a sensitive lad who we predicted might need more time to settle into his new surroundings.
“Lorraine was adaptable and flexible in her approach and maintained a consistent routine for Benji, which was important. I am very grateful to Lorraine for all the she did for Benji during his time with her.”
Liz Henderson from Glasgow got the gong for the ‘Lead by Example’ award.
(Image: Guide Dogs)
Heather Valentine said: “Liz is currently taking a career break and is using her new-found free time to volunteer to help others, which in itself demonstrates our lead-by-example behaviour. Liz and I have been delivering safeguarding training together since she started as a volunteer.
“Liz is extremely engaged and always willing to learn and support with anything she can. In addition to her safeguarding role, Liz was also matched as a My Sighted Guide with one of our longest service users and they are having such a great time going out and trying new activities in their partnership.”
The Whitelaw family from Bearsden got the ‘Person Centred’ award for their work raising guide dog puppies.
(Image: Guide Dogs)
Their election, by puppy advancement consultant Fiona Fraser, read: “Nimmi, her husband Stuart and children Andrew and Rachel are a true asset to Guide Dogs.
“I am so proud of the Whitelaws and their dedication to their pups and Guide Dogs. Nimmi is also a committed speaker and fundraiser. She is honestly everything Guide Dogs would want in a volunteer.”
Volunteer co-ordinator Millie Keddie included: “We held the event during Volunteers Week and it was very special being able to show our gratitude to some of our incredible volunteers.
“We’re so grateful, not only to our fantastic award winners and runners up, but to everyone who gives up their time to volunteer for Guide Dogs. We couldn’t provide our life-changing services without them.”
To discover more about offering at Guide Dogs go to www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/volunteering-for-guide-dogs/
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