Guide Dog is named after town following Keighley fundraiser's efforts

Laurie Manley, a guide dog owner himself, coined-in the cash with a series of challenges throughout this year.

He and his dog Umber completed the gruelling Yorkshire Three Peaks in the summer and have held several events and collections.

Now they have handed-over a cheque to the Guide Dogs charity, in a presentation ceremony at Town Hall Square in Keighley.

And more funds will follow.

"Sight loss is life-changing – but so is having a guide dog," said Mr Manley.

"Umber has given me confidence and independence and I am so pleased to know that this town has come together to name and fund the training of another dog.

"I am proud to be part of this wonderful community and thank every single person and business who helped raise this money.

"The icing on the cake is that we have raised far more than the £5,000 needed – and we are now well on the way to naming a second puppy Bronte."

Tributes to Mr Manley's efforts and the support he attracted were paid by Keighley town mayor Councillor Shabir Ahmed, who joined Mr Manley and Umber on the Three Peaks challenge.

"I am delighted and hugely grateful to Laurie and his wife Linda, his friends and family and the whole of the town for coming together to raise such an impressive amount for Guide Dogs.

"Naming a guide dog puppy Keighley is a fantastic legacy for this town and I am proud to have been a part of the process."

Charlotte Walton, community fundraising manager for Guide Dogs, said: "Laurie and Umber have worked tirelessly this year to raise the £5,000 and I am hugely appreciative of their efforts.

"The money will fund the first year's training of the new guide dog puppy.

"I hope other people will take inspiration from Laurie's efforts and consider raising money for this wonderful cause."

Guide Dogs' Name a Puppy scheme is inviting groups, companies and individuals to make a donation or fundraise to support a pup through the first training stage.

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