COUNCIL workers at Sedgemoor & West Somerset Adult Social Care team, part of Somerset Council, have been working hard over the last six months to fundraise for their chosen charity, Guide Dogs and have managed to raise £2,500 to name a guide dog puppy and have now met their target.

The team’s chosen name for the pup is Winston, as a tribute to the former manager of the team Christine Denovan, whose own dog was named Winston. Christine sadly passed away just a few weeks into her retirement in 2021.

Her team decided to start a fundraising campaign to name a guide dog in her memory, as her love of dogs was well known. The team raised the £2,500 needed in a matter of 6 months, holding raffles at every team meeting, a cake sale and a silent auction supported by businesses and some talented team members.

Somerset County Gazette: The Team workers named a guide dog, Winston in memory of former manager Christine Denavon.The Team workers named a guide dog, Winston in memory of former manager Christine Denavon. (Image: Guide Dogs)

Jan Huckle, a member of the Adult Social Care team said:“Christine dedicated most of her working life to supporting people in the community, through what was for many a challenging time in their life.

“Chris herself would have been touched by the generous donations raised in her name, knowing that although she is no longer here, she is still helping people.

Krissie Isaac, community fundraising relationship manager at Guide Dogs, said: “As a charity, we rely almost entirely on public donations to keep our vital services for people with sight loss running. We are incredibly grateful for the support from Somerset Council.

“Our Name a Puppy scheme is a wonderful opportunity to be at the heart of a guide dog's story. We hope that puppy Winston will go on to change someone’s life in Christine’s honour.”

If you would like to find out more about Name a Puppy, please visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/nap or call Guide Dogs on 0800 781 1444.