Blind ex-England footballer Dave Thomas opens Newcastle guide dogs centre

Blind former England footballer Dave Thomas has officially opened the biggest ever guide dogs centre in Newcastle. The event was celebrated by many prominent figures in the football community, with stars such as Alan Shearer making appearances.

Dave Thomas, who lost his sight completely in 2018, expressed his profound admiration for the work performed by guide dogs and their handlers. Thomas stated that obtaining a guide dog made a huge difference in his day-to-day life and helped him regain his independence. This guide dogs centre will provide additional support and services to those in need.

The new facility features state-of-the-art equipment, enabling the centre to train more guide dogs more efficiently. The centre also possesses facilities such as medical clinics, testing areas, and training zones.

According to the Guide Dogs website, more than 4,700 blind and partially sighted people across the UK currently rely on guide dogs to help them live an independent life. However, there is more demand than supply when it comes to obtaining a suitable guide dog.

That’s why the new Newcastle Guide Dogs centre is so important. It will provide much-needed support to blind and partially sighted individuals and offer resources to train more guide dogs to meet the growing demand.

This article is important because it brings awareness to the struggles faced by blind and partially sighted individuals and highlights the vital role played by guide dogs. It also shows the importance of community efforts in addressing these issues to ensure that everyone has access to the resources they need to live fulfilling and independent lives.