Optician cheques in with guide dog cash

10:18am Friday 6th October 2006

A BRAVE skydiver helped give a second pair of eyes to the blind and partially sighted.

Gravesend optician Blair Hunter took to the sky to raise £1,200 for the Guide Dogs For the Blind Association (GDFTBA).

The 41-year-old, who works for Specsavers, Thamesgate Shopping Centre, Gravesend, made the 12,000ft jump at Headcorn Aerodrome, Ashford.

Mr Hunter, of Langdon Hills, Essex, presented a cheque to guide dog puppy walker Clive Bushell.

The GDFTBA provide blind and partially sighted people with guide dogs and campaigns on behalf of its service users for better access and mobility.

Mr Bushell, of Imperial Drive, Gravesend, said: "I am thankful to Blair for undertaking such an impressive challenge.

"It costs £10 a day to train, breed and support each guide dog throughout its lifetime.

"With no Government funding, it is only with the support and generosity of local people that guide dogs can continue their work with blind and partially sighted people in the area."

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