Guide dog pup sniffs out winning ticket

GUIDE dog puppy Star plucked the winning ticket from the hundreds sold in a raffle for a Christmas hamper to boost the appeal to pay for her training.

The raffle was organised by staff at Whitworth's vets in Trimley St Mary - and raised £402 for the Evening Star's Christmas appeal.

People taking along their pets for treatment plus villagers popping in over the past few weeks have been purchasing the tickets for the hamper, which is full of seasonal goodies.

Whitworth's in Station Road is also Star's vets when she needs checks or treatment and so the staff were keen to support her.

Penny Parker, who is Star's puppy walker for the first year of her training, thanked the surgery for their efforts.

“Star dipped her head in and pulled out the ticket - we had to grab it off her pretty quickly so it didn't get soggy!” she said.

“The staff have been absolutely superb and we couldn't believe how much the raffle had made.

“It was a fantastic effort and we cannot thank them enough for getting involved in the appeal and supporting Star.”

Another boost for the appeal has been received from Sprites Primary School in Stonechat Road, Ipswich.

The school raised £343 for the appeal from collections at its Christmas productions and a carol service at St Francis Church.

Julie Collins from the school thanked everyone who contributed to the collections.

So much money has been raised thanks to Evening Star readers that a second pup - Hope - can be trained to be the eyes of a blind person.

If you would like to donate to the appeal, send cheques - made payable to the Guide Dogs - to Richard Cornwell, Evening Star, 172 Hamilton Road, Felixstowe, IP11 7DU.

Has your family been helped by the Guide Dogs - tell us your stories about this amazing charity: write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk