Bailey’s ball to fetch funds for guide dogs

FUNDRAISING in memory of a life-changing guide dog . . . Marie Howarth with her new guide dog Bertie

A GUIDE dog owner is raising £5,000 in memory of the loving dog who helped to turn her life round.

After losing her sight at the age of six, Marie Howarth from Shaw was wholly dependent on others to guide her and barely left her home. But almost a decade ago, labrador retriever Bailey entered her life and changed her outlook

“Once I met the big, cuddly dog, I fell in love and knew he would change my life,” said Marie (32). “Little did I know how much. He gave me independence and the confidence to become the person I am today.”

Bailey died at the start of 2015 after a short illness. To honour his memory, Marie has pledged to raise £5,000 to name a new guide dog puppy Bailey as a thank-you.

Marie regularly volunteers for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and has been busy raising money: she has already done an abseil at the Trafford Centre, raising hundred of pounds in the process.

Next she will host “Bailey’s Monster Ball” on Friday at Tara Leisure in Shaw. The event, from 7.30pm, will feature fancy dress, games, a disco, auction, food and raffle.

Tickets, priced £5 for adults or £3 for children, are available from Tara Leisure, with all proceeds to the Guide Dog Name a Puppy appeal.

Marie now has a new guide dog, Bertie: “There will never be another Bailey,” she said, “but if I can give someone the gift of a Bailey in their life, my thanks can create another life-changing partnership.”

Donations at: www.justgiving.com/marie-howarth2