NEWS Shopper has been stunned by the generosity of its readers who have donated thousands of pounds to our Guide Dogs appeal.

Your kindness will now help some of the two million people suffering from sight loss in the UK.
Readers donated thousands of pounds after being moved by the story of Mike who hopes this will be his last Christmas without a guide dog.

The father-of-one started to lose his vision in November 2011 and could barely see by the end of the year.

He said: "I kept asking myself: ‘why me?’ I knew I’d never see my wife again or see my daughter grow up.

"Those things were the hardest to come to terms with."

Guide Dogs’ director of fundraising and marketing Jayne George said: “We are extremely grateful for the fantastic support readers have given to our Christmas Campaign.

“This time of year can be incredibly difficult for people with sight loss, but with your help, we can change their lives by giving them the freedom and confidence to get around on their own terms.

“Guide Dogs receives no government funding, so we rely on this generous support to reach out to more people with sight loss and help them celebrate the first Christmas of a brighter future. Thank you.”

'In memory of Champagne'

• Donations have ranged from £3 to £500.

• One lady donated "in memory of Champagne, my daughter’s family Labrador".

• Another enclosed a cheque in a dog-themed card and said: "This is for Mike’s story".

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.

Usual terms and conditions apply.