A LEADING charity has been presented with cheques totalling £6,515 after two local fundraising events.
Ballynahinch High School student Sophie Mills raised £4,715 during a recent fundraising event in her home town.
She also stepped forward to shave the head of Rowallane councillor, Billy Walker, who raised £1,800 with all the money going to Guide Dogs Northern Ireland.
Fourteen year-old Sophie has been diagnosed with Albinism — which affects her eyesight — and is currently on the waiting list for a guide dog.
She is hoping that she can get a dog of her own soon as she finds it hard to see in dull or bright conditions.
Over the past two years, the teenager has completely lost her sight six times and had no vision for the first six months of her life.
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 and is delighted with the support she received for her fundraiser and those who supported the head shave.