Classical Brit nominee Camilla Kerslake.

Evening celebrates the life-changing work of guide dogs

A host of celebrities and over 450 guests turned out for the Guide Dogs Annual Awards 2014.

The fundraising awards, which took place on Wednesday (December 10) at the London Hilton on Park Lane, are a fantastic celebration of the very best of Guide Dogs.

England rugby captain Chris Robshaw, The Only Way is Essex star Debbie Douglas, Made in Chelsea's Lucy Watson, and Classical Brit nominee Camilla Kerslake were among the celebrities who were there to meet the finalists and present awards.

The headline Inspirational Guide Dog Owner Award was presented to Verity Smith - a top-level sportswoman who has competed for Britain as a dressage rider. Verity is an accomplished singer/songwriter and campaigner.

Verity was registered blind at age 16 and got her first guide dog at age 27. “Uffa is my wing man,” Verity said about her black labradoodle guide dog. “He’s just brilliant. He loves his job and comes everywhere with me, including up on stage when I perform!”

TV sports presenter Adrian Chiles, who hosted the awards, said: “These awards applaud the amazing achievements of guide dogs and their owners as well as some of the fantastic people and organisations that make Guide Dogs’ life-changing work possible. I know what a difference a guide dog can make to someone’s life and I’m delighted to be part of the annual event honouring that unique bond.”

Richard Leaman, Guide Dogs’ Chief Executive, said: “The Guide Dogs Annual Awards are a highlight of the year for us. We heard about guide dog owners who have overcome enormous personal challenges. We heard about campaigners who were not afraid to stand up and demand that things change. We heard about experts using their specialist knowledge to help people with sight loss. We met young people with the energy and creativity to make things happen.
 
“In my five years at Guide Dogs, I have witnessed the huge difference we have made and continue to make to the lives of people living with sight loss. Every moment of the day Guide Dogs is helping people like Verity get to where they want to be in life, and the awards evening is a truly inspiring occasion which reminds us of how life-changing our work is.”

Image (C) Guide Dogs