Charity head shave in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind

Charity head shave in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind

29 January 2020

A LOCAL politician is having his head shaved this weekend to help a Ballynahinch schoolgirl’s fundraising initiative on behalf of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

Rowallane councillor Billy Walker will have his locks shaved off this Saturday by 14 year-old Sophie Mills who is a student at Ballynahinch High School.

She has been diagnosed with Albinism — which affects her eyesight — and is currently on the waiting list for a guide dog. 

Sophie has previously been cane trained by representatives from the charity and is hoping that she can get a guide dog soon as in dull or very bright lighting conditions she finds it hard to see. 

Over the past two years, she has completely lost her sight six times and had no vision for the first six months of her life.

The teenager’s fundraising efforts were recently recognised in a province-wide SuperValu competition for those who go beyond the call of duty to help others in need. And, while keen to get her own dog, Sophie is also raising money to help others get the guide dog they need.

Despite a growing concern that her eye condition is deteriorating, Sophie has her sights firmly set on helping others.

Given that it costs £50,000 to train a guide dog, Sophie is determined to do all that she can to help both herself and others. She said that if she had a guide dog of her own, it would give her so much confidence.

Sophie, who in the past has helped sponsor guide dogs for others who need them, is holding a fundraising event in Ballynahinch Masonic Hall this Saturday evening which starts at 7.30pm.

She is selling raffle tickets for a host of prizes ahead of the fundraiser with Cllr Walker’s head shave taking place earlier in the day at Ballynahinch Market House. He is due to have his locks shaved at 11am.

Cllr Walker says he is more than happy to have his head shaved to raise money on behalf of Sophie, even though it’s still winter and he will have to wear a hat for a few weeks.

He added: “I hope to raise as much as I can and I am encouraging people to give generously to support Sophie. My fundraising target is £500.”

Admission to the event is £5. The winners of the various raffle prizes will be drawn on the night by Sophie.