Alok Sharma, the Member of Parliament for Reading West, has visited the Guide Dogs Head Office and made a donation to their fundraising efforts.

The charity's head office has been based in Burghfield Common for many years. A major refit of the site was carried out in 2021, which included relocating the Reading community team who provide guide dog services, mobility training, children and young people services across Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey and Bedfordshire.

During his visit, Alok met with Guide Dogs Chief Executive, Tom Wright, Community Fundraising Relationship Manager, Denise Clark, and Lead Policy and Campaigns Manager, Clive Wood, along with Clive’s guide dog Winnie.

Alok received a tour of the office and had the opportunity to see some of the dogs in the training area. Alok also donated a food hamper to Guide Dogs to be used for fundraising.

Alok said:

“It was a fab visit to Guide Dogs Reading. It was great to meet wonderful trainee guide dog Isla, learn about the charity’s plans to tackle the increasing waiting time for guide dogs as a result of Covid and see the CustomEyes service which produces large print books for visually impaired children.”

Denise Clark said:

“It was wonderful for Alok to think of Guide Dogs and for kindly donating the hamper to us as a fundraising item. We would like to thank Alok for his continued support for Guide Dogs.”

Photos: Alok with trainee guide dog Isla

Alok presents food hamper donation to Clive Wood, guide dog Winnie and Denise Clark, Alok in the guide dog training area

Alok with Denise Clark and Daniel Brant, CustomEyes Design Officer