A MAN from Redditch will complete a 10,000ft skydive to raise money for sight loss charity Guide Dogs, after his mum’s guide dog changed her life.
Lewis Barber decided to sign up for the challenge to mark his 21st birthday earlier this year.
His mum Samantha suffers with sight loss and has been partnered with her guide dog Harrison, a black Labrador cross Golden Retriever, for four years.
“I’ve seen first-hand what a guide dog can do to change someone’s life for the better,” said Lewis.
“My mum suffers with sight loss and the impact that her guide dog Harrison has made since they were matched four years ago is indescribable.
“Her confidence is so much better and that makes me feel so much better.
“Not only is Harrison a companion for life, but my mum has also made so many friends through volunteering for Guide Dogs.
“I just feel it’s my duty to do anything I can to raise money for the charity.”
Lewis will be completing the challenge next month and is on track to raise at least £500.
Both Lewis and his mum volunteer for the Redditch and Bromsgrove Guide Dogs Fund-raising group.
Miles Northwood, community fund-raising relationship manager for Redditch, said: “Lewis has come up with such a fantastic idea to mark his 21st birthday and raise much needed funds for Guide Dogs.
“It costs £54,800 to support a guide dog from birth to retirement and, as a charity, we rely almost entirely on public donations.
“We wish Lewis the best of luck with his skydive challenge and want to say a big thank you to him for fundraising for us.”
To find out more about volunteering for Guide Dogs in Redditch, visit guidedogs.org.uk/volunteering.
