Lindy has just relaunched her website with a new look. This is a lot more Guide Dog friendly as it has a section about me!
Do You Give Two Hoots about Blindness?
Lindy & I do. Please join us in our FIGHT AGAINST BLINDNESS in the “Ride 4 Retina” Challenge. Our team of riders will ride from the Gold Coast on the 18th September and arrive in Manly on World Retina Day, the 24th September.
You all know that Lindy suffers from a genetic eye condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa and has been losing her sight since the mid 1980s. She has been legally blind since 1996. Unless a cure can be found, her prognosis is that she will become totally blind one day. That means she won’t even be able to see me at close range under perfect light conditions!
The money raised will goes towards research and support for all genetic eye conditions. Retinitis Pigmentosa, Macular Degeneration, Stargardt Disease and Usher Syndrome are some of the many genetic eye conditions that Retina Australia supports.
I am really excited about this upcoming fundraising and awareness ride. This is the first time ever that I have been invited to take part in a long distance cycling event.
As a Guide Dog, I will certainly pull my weight during this ride. I will look out of the car window in between my snoozes to ensure we are heading in the right direction. I will also ensure that the riders are not overeating by consuming any extra food left in the car. Of course, I will help with the fundraising effort whenever we stop at towns along the way.
Among all the charities that Lindy and I support, this is certainly the one that Lindy is most passionate about. I really do not mind if I lose my job as a Guide Dog because a cure is found for Lindy and all the people who are affected by genetic blindness. At least Lindy will not try and put my harness over my backside instead of my head any more!
Rosemary and Elton will take turns as pilot for Lindy. Matt Formston, who has Macular Degeneration, and John Domandl, who also has RP, will join them as well as five other riders and the support team.
To find out more about the work that Retina Australia doing as well as other ways that you can support the work that they do, go to www.retinaaustralia.com.au
The ride (September)
Sun 18th Gold Coast to Casino 156km
Mon 19th Casino to Coffs Harbour 184km
Tues 20th Coffs Harbour to Port Macquarie 161km
Wed 21st Port Macquarie to Nabiac 104km
Thur 22nd Nabiac to Newcastle 145km
Fri 23rd Newcastle to Terrigal 77km
Sat 24th Terrigal to Manly 60km
Total 887km
“All achievement begins by taking the first pedal stroke”
Woof Woof!
Harper Hou
