Chesterfield woman overjoyed after her beloved guide dog chosen to star in Christmas fundraising campaign

A Chesterfield woman has told of her pride after her trusty guide dog was selected to be part of a charity’s major fundraising campaign.

By Michael Broomhead

Published 29th Nov 2020, 12:30 BST

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Between December 1 and December 12, the Guide Dogs charity will showcase 12 of its amazing pooches on its website.

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It is part of a seasonal campaign called the 12 Guide Dogs of Christmas Advent Calendar.

Irene Cooper with her guide dog Demi.

Irene Cooper with her guide dog Demi.

During the fundraiser, the charity hopes to make enough money so it can pay for 12 new life-changing guide dogs for people who need them.

Working guide dog Demi, a seven-year-old German Shepherd who lives with her owner Irene Cooper in Hasland, has been picked as one of the 12 dogs to star in the campaign – and will be showcased on December 9.

Irene, 65, who has been visually impaired since birth, has been a guide dog owner since 1977 and has had Demi since 2015.

She said: “Demi means everything to me.

Demi.

Demi.

“She’s always there for me and I absolutely adore her – she’s amazing.

“I was so proud when I found out she had been selected to be part of the 12 Guide Dogs of Christmas Advent Calendar.

“Guide Dogs is an absolutely wonderful charity and really needs people’s support right now.

“If you can please donate, we’d be so very grateful.”

Gabbie Pattison, volunteer branch organiser for Guide Dogs Chesterfield, said the charity was ‘delighted and very proud’ that Demi had been picked to be a part of the campaign.

She added: “This has been a tough year for all of our branches.

“We’re a very active branch and used to being out and about meeting the public, visiting schools and youth groups and holding fundraising events.

“We've really missed the interaction with the public this year and the dogs are missing it too.

“We understand that times are tough at the moment, but if you can spare anything, you can make a donation to the Chesterfield group at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chesterfieldguidedogs.

“We really are grateful for everyone’s support.”

The 12 Guide Dogs of Christmas Advent Calendar – including Demi on December 9 – will be showcased on www.guidedogs.org.uk/12-dogs-of-christmas.

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