Centre User, Trustee and indeed, Vice Chair of our board Laura Cluxton is getting back in the fundraising saddle, this time for Guide Dogs.
Laura and husband Joe will be cycling 76 miles around the Scottish Highlands to raise money for a new Guide Dog puppy, which they plan to call Pixie after Laura’s first Guide Dog who is now living in happy retirement!
The dynamic duo were originally planning to take place in the “Ride the North” event on 24th July. This was then postponed to 28th August due to Covid before being cancelled completely.
However, Laura and Joe were unperturbed and have booked accommodation on Friday, set out a new ‘intermediate’ route and still plan to cover the distance in a single day.
This is because Guide Dogs is a cause close to Laura’s heart. Laura said:
“When I got Pixie my first Guide Dog she made such a huge difference to my life. She gave me my confidence and independence back and I wish everyone who needs a Guide Dog could be so lucky.”
A Guide Dog puppy costs £2500 to train and Laura has committed to raise the funds over two years. This is the first of several events that will take place to reach the magic total. Once that has been achieved, the chosen name, Pixie, will be put forward to a litter and with a bit of luck the dog will make the grade as a Guide Dog.
Almost two million people in the UK are living with sight loss that has a significant impact on their daily lives. Of those, around 180,000 rarely leave their homes alone and lead lonely, isolated lives.
Similar to the Sensory Centre, which provides groups, classes and support from partner organisations to help reduce isolation and increase confidence so people can lead independent lives, Guide Dogs works for a world where people with sight loss are never left out of life, for a world where being blind or partially sighted is not what defines you. A world with enough support to make the challenges of sight loss no barrier to fulfilling hopes and dreams.
Laura raised over £1500 for the Centre by cycling in her garage during lockdown. Both Laura and Joe have been back on their static bikes, Laura taking advantage of her ‘Zwift’ training set up which allows her to cycle different routes around the world, automatically adjusting her bike to the hills, without ever leaving home.
For this challenge, Team Cluxton will be using a custom lightweight tandem bike with Joe steering and Laura providing the pedal power at the back.
Laura added:
“The route is challenging and takes in a lot of different places but we have planned a 76 mile loop which is slightly longer than the original 100 kilometre one that we would have done as part of Ride the North.
“The aim is to keep up a steady 15 miles per hour, plus stops so we want to finish in six to seven hours. If you can add your support, please do so. It is a great cause and could make a life changing difference to someone.”
You can support Laura and Joe via their Just Giving Page here: Joe Cluxton is fundraising for Guide Dogs (justgiving.com) You can also follow Laura on Twitter @pixielaurac
0 comments on “Cycling for Guide Dogs” Add yours →