PUPILS and staff from Meadow Green Primary School in Wythall have been given a very special honour after raising money for Guide Dogs.

The school has a very special relationship with Guide Dogs, and one of their staff, Alison Nuttall, is a puppy walker and branch organiser for the local fundraising branch.

During 2013 they raised £1,841.18 to get the opportunity to name a puppy, which they have called Meadow.

They had cake sales, filled jam jars with loose change at home, made the Guide Dog logo in coins and had a competition to choose the puppy’s name.

On Tuesday, February 25 everyone was very excited as they all got the chance to meet their puppy Meadow with Mrs Johnson her puppy walker.

Alison Nuttall said “I was delighted that the school decided to name a puppy for Guide Dogs as the annual school fundraising activity. It has long been a special charity to me as I have puppy walked 7 puppies and they often visit the school.  The school has been very supportive and the children have shown a lot of interest in these puppies. ”

Catrin Rod, community fundraiser for the Guide Dogs Birmingham and Three Counties Mobility Team, said “Our name a puppy scheme is a fantastic way for schools to get involved with Guide Dogs and to aim for a fundraising target, they get to meet their puppy which will go on to make a difference to the life of someone who is blind or partially sighted. 

"We have great resources for schools available on our website which teach children not only about Guide Dogs but also about eye health and different eye conditions.  It is only through support such as this that we are able to maintain our lifelong commitment to blind and partially sighted people in the community as the guide dog service relies purely on voluntary income. “

The Birmingham Team works with visually impaired people to provide a mobility service that meets individual’s needs, and has dedicated volunteers who fulfil roles such as puppy walking, fundraising, and work collaboratively with other organisations.

Anyone who could benefit from the services, or has spare time and would like to volunteer, can call 08453 727434, or email birmingham@guidedogs.org.uk   For more information on Guide Dogs, see guidedogs.org.uk.