Challenge yourself to make a difference in 2009

Minna Shkul supporting Guide Dogs in a running event

If you’re looking for a challenge that will leave you feeling a huge sense of achievement and victory, then we really do have the event for you...

Guide Dogs events are open to everyone, and we provide some of the best fundraising and training support available. Do something amazing; take up the challenge and help Guide Dogs.

Find out more on the Challenge Events pages!



Help us

Become a Guide Dogs Mobility Instructor
Guide Dogs is offering a three year apprenticeship to become a Guide Dogs Mobility Instructor (GDMI). The apprenticeship includes on-the-job training, leading to a diploma in Canine Assistance Studies.

Guide Dogs' Atherton Appeal - help lead us into the future.
Guide Dogs has been training dogs in the north of England for 77 years. In early summer 2009 we’ll open our brand new Guide Dog Training School in Atherton – and you can be a part of it by raising funds to go towards kitting it out.


Guide dog trainer and guide dog on obstacle course.

Stone Laying Ceremony for Atherton training school.
Guide dog owners, puppy walkers and Mayoress Rona Winkworth were joined by the Rt Hon Andy Burnham as he performed an official Stone Laying Ceremony to celebrate the building of the brand new world-class North West Guide Dog Training School, in Atherton, on Friday 05 December, Gibfield Park Avenue.

There are so many ways to help. You could: Sponsor a Puppy through its training
Leave a lasting gift in your will
Go green and recycle phones, inkjet cartridges and more




Events

If you'd like to actively show your support for Guide Dogs there are a range of events that take place across the year – around the UK and abroad.

Whatever event you decide to participate in, you are helping to protect the future of the guide dog service


Cyclists on Le Tour event

Why not get a group involved and take on the challenge of one of our team events.

Or how about life on the open road with our spectacular Le Tour event.

Take on the ultimate event – run a Marathon.




News

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is seeking entries for next year’s Bath Half Marathon on Sunday 15 March 2009. Comprising a fast, flat course through the heart of the historic city of Bath - starting and finishing in Great Pulteney Street – the race has been voted one of the top running events in the country according to Runner’s World magazine.

In return for a guaranteed place, entrants are asked to raise a minimum of £175 for Guide Dogs and pay a £25 registration fee.


A group of runners who finished the half marathon

Guide Dogs’ campaign for puppy walkers in Cambridge, North West and West Yorkshire.
Volunteers are needed for the full-time care and education of the guide dog pups from six weeks until approximately 12 to 14 months of age, when they are returned to the charity to begin specialised guide dog training.

Guide Dogs is the proud winner of the silver CIPR PRide Award for best ‘Low Budget’ campaign, recognising the charity’s inspiring collaboration with BBC Breakfast for Guide Dog of the Year Awards 2007. The Thames and Chilterns CIPR Awards ceremony was held at The Crowne Plaza, Marlow, Friday, 21 November 2008.




About us

We believe that every blind or partially sighted person has the right to a full, free, independent life - and we should remove all obstacles in their way.

Our work has been transforming the lives of many thousands of blind and partially-sighted people on a daily basis for over 75 years.


First four guide dog owners.

Read about the history of guide dogs and how the charity began.

Find out more about the process of becoming a guide dog owner.

Discover the new educational resources available for teachers.