GROUPS all over the area are busy organising events to help raise the money to train a special guide dog - but we still need more people to get involved.

Richard Cornwell

GROUPS all over the area are busy organising events to help raise the money to train a special guide dog - but we still need more people to get involved.

The Evening Star Christmas appeal is aiming to raise £10,000 to pay for puppy Star so she can become the eyes of a blind or visually-impaired person.

The ten-week-old pup is currently learning the basics of a dog's life - already responding to “sit” and “stay” and her meals whistle.

She is also growing rapidly, now weighing in at six kilos, is certainly taller, though for the past few days she has been suffering with a tummy bug and has made her first visit to the vet.

Staff at Whitworth Veterinary Practice in Station Yard, Trimley St Mary, where Star is treated, are already planning a fundraising event - and will be raffling a bumper Christmas hamper to raise money for the appeal.

Star's puppy walker Penny Parker is teaming up with Kingsfleet Craft Club to organise a craft fair at Kingsfleet Primary School, Ferry Road, Old Felixstowe, on Sunday October 26.

Ten per cent of the proceeds will go to the appeal and Star will open the event at 10am.

There will be 20 crafts stalls selling a wide range of items, plus cream teas and jacket potatoes and admission is free.

Mrs Parker said: “There will be lots of different crafts on the stalls.

“It should be a lovely day and it's a great chance to pick up a few Christmas gifts.”

Youngsters at the Alan Road Methodist Church Youth Club, Felixstowe Brownies, and pre-school children are also raising money for the fund.

On November 16 there will be a craft fair organised by Dave Alligan at Felixstowe Leisure Centre, from 10am to 3pm - stalls can be booked now at £10 each on 0800 511 8068.

- 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

HOW TO GET INVOLVED . . .

The aim is to raise £10,000 to help with the cost of Star's training - and we want the whole community to get involved with the appeal.

Every penny and pound will count and ensure that the little puppy get the best care and training as she is prepared to do the job of guiding someone who lives every day of their lives with the blight of blindness.

If you are organising a fundraising event for the appeal, then we want to hear so we can give it maximum publicity and help boost the amount raised.

So let us know what you are up to - get in touch with Richard Cornwell at the Felixstowe Newsdesk on 01394 284109 or the Ipswich Newsdesk on 01473 324788.

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