A business owner is celebrating the graduation of a guide dog puppy he helped sponsor.
Chris Gilmore from Ipswich, who runs oven cleaning service Ovenu Suffolk South, sponsored a Golden Retriever-Labrador cross named Ralph through the Guide Dogs 'Name a Puppy' scheme.
Ralph has now completed more than 18 months of training and has been matched with a visually impaired person.
Mr Gilmore said: "I’m really pleased to hear Ralph is now a fully trained guide dog.
"It’s great to know he’s out there making a real difference to someone’s life, helping them live more independently and confidently.
"Supporting Guide Dogs is a fantastic way to give something back, and I’m proud to have played a part in his journey."
Ralph’s trainer, Leonie, guided him through the final stages of his development and helped match him with his new owner.
She said: "Ralph has already had a massive impact on his new owner’s life.
"They’ve bonded beautifully and are forming a strong partnership built on trust and teamwork."
Ovenu franchisees began sponsoring Ralph in 2023 through Guide Dogs’ ‘Name a Puppy’ scheme after their previous sponsored pup, Selsey, retired early due to a minor health issue.
The name Ralph was chosen in memory of Ovenu founder Rik Hellewell’s late grandfather, who lost his sight.
A spokesman for Guide Dogs said: "Such generous support has made a real difference – not just to Ralph’s journey, but now also to the person whose life he’s helping transform."
Mr Gilmore launched Ovenu Suffolk South in 2012 and covers the IP10 to IP17 areas, as well as IP5 and IP6.
This includes Ipswich, Needham Market, Felixstowe, Woodbridge, Stowmarket, Aldringham, Aldeburgh, Sizewell, Saxmundham and surrounding areas.
To learn more or donate to Guide Dogs, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk.
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