CORONATION Street actress Wendi Peters has revealed to News Shopper how her husband’s experience inspired her support for Guide Dogs UK.
The 45-year-old star has a CV bursting with credits including Bad Girls and productions at the National Theatre but she also juggles her acting career with her role as a wife and mother in Hertfordshire.
Wendi, who is currently treading the boards up in Edinburgh, explained why News Shopper’s chosen charity appeal is so special to her.
She said: “My husband Kenny lost most of his sight to a rare eye condition a couple of years ago and is now registered blind.
“He is a resilient chap and he manages very well, but there are so many things which sighted people take for granted that present him with a daily challenge.
“It takes a great amount of courage for him to use the bus for example and he gets frustrated with himself when he can’t go somewhere or do something without help.
“We can cope but he can’t read anymore and I have to do all the admin. It made me realise there are people worse off than us."
She added: “This service gives blind people sight. They can go about doing everyday things with the help of these wonderful dogs.”
The former Celebrity Masterchef finalist believes this can a particularly difficult time of year for people with vision problems.
She said: “At Christmas everyone is so busy rushing around the shops, making plans to visit friends and family, buying and wrapping presents.
“Can you imagine what it might be like to try and do any of those things when you’re unable to see?
“Losing your sight is a life-changing experience and there are thousands of people facing their first Christmas in this situation.”
Wendi admits she is "dog-mad" and wasted no time in getting acquainted with the charity’s canine charges.
She said: “A beautiful guide dog called Nelson took me on a ‘blind walk’ where they blindfolded me and he walked with me. It really felt like I could trust him and he was in control.
“I recently met a man with a guide dog and you could just see they meant the world to each other.
“People don’t realise how clever these dogs are, or how much training they need or the cost.
“But with our help, Guide Dogs can give people with sight loss the chance to live life on their own terms and get out and about with freedom, confidence and independence.”
Donate to Guide Dogs
Text FIRSTXMAS to 70020 or visit guidedogs.org.uk/firstchristmas to donate £3.
Cheques should be made payable to "Guide Dogs" and sent to News Shopper, Mega House, Crest View Drive, Petts Wood BR5 1BT.
Newsquest’s usual terms and conditions apply.
You will be charged £3 plus one message at your standard network rate.
The appeal will receive between 99 and 100 per cent of your donation depending upon your provider.
By using this service, you agree Guide Dogs may call you in the future.
If you would rather we did not, please text NOTHANKS to 83310, UK mobiles only. Registered charity nos. 209617 (England and Wales) and SC038979 (Scotland).
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