Guide Dogs - gifts in memory

Hopefully everyone who supports Guide Dogs gets a great feeling from backing something they believe in and care about, but when someone makes a donation in memory of someone special, this feeling seems to run much deeper.

I speak regularly with donors who find themselves in this situation and they often say it gives them something to focus on and a way to help them through their grief. Someone told me recently that they felt they were 'putting something good back into the world' and even though they had experienced great sadness, knowing that someone else's life was about to get better was extremely comforting.

I wonder if people realise how many ways there are to give in honour of a loved one? You don't have to buy Guide Dogs a brand new training centre or kennel wing for it to really make a difference.

Many people choose to set up a Tribute Fund which in time could be used to name a puppy after the person they have lost. Giving in memory can also be really positive because it's a chance to celebrate a life by organising a special fundraising event to bring friends and family together. I've been to some of these events and they are a really inspiring, life-affirming way of remembering someone.

Getting a guide dog signals the start of a new life for their owner, but donating in memory of a loved one who is no longer with us allows that person to live on through everything blind or partially people will achieve with Guide Dogs' support. Wouldn't we all like to think that something good will continue after we've gone?

To find out more about donating to Guide Dogs in memory of a loved one visit http://www.guidedogsgiving.org.uk/giftsinmemory/