Delighted over support in aid of Guide Dogs Northern Ireland

SIR, — I would like to thank everyone who attended my recent fundraiser in aid of Guide Dogs Northern Ireland. The support I received meant a great deal to me and my family.

Thanks to everyone who donated or sponsored prizes, with special thanks to Worshipful Brother David Perry of Ballynahinch Masonic Lodge who allowed me to use their premises.

Thanks also to Jason Kelly who helped with the fundraiser and those who sponsored tables in the Masonic Hall on the night.

They are Ballynahinch Protestant Boys, Ballynahinch Young Men football team, Davey Williamson, John Hayes, Claire’s Lil Paws, Walter Watson, UPS, Ballynahinch Credit Union, A&L Taxis, BES Contracts, Gills and Winston McGreevy.

A number of businesses and schools were also very generous and supportive including Carlisles’ Oil, Gordon’s Chemist, Watson’s Flowers, Sun bed and Beauty Salon, Vivo, Lidl, Cafe Rossi, J J Donnelly’s, Mauds, Montalto Gardens, Poole’s Butchers, Kelvin Graham, Millbrook Lodge Hotel, Iceland, Assumption Grammar and Ballynahinch High schools and Ballynahinch Primary.

I am also very grateful to Rowallane councillor, Billy Walker, who organised a sponsored head shave which raised £1,800.

He truly is a kind-hearted man. I am sure that as a local councillor he has enough to do without doing such a thoughtful gesture to help with my fundraising for Guide Dogs NI.

Many people do not realise that it only costs £5 a month to sponsor a guide dog — the price of two cups of coffee a month.

Sponsoring a guide dog really would make a difference to someone’s life. The animals are there to help people with visual problems and none of us know what is around the corner. We could end up needing help ourselves one day.

Please consider sponsoring a guide dog puppy.

Yours etc,

SOPHIE MILLS,

Ballynahinch.