Cornish Pirates Fans Help Raise Funds for Guide Dogs Charity at Bedford Blues Clash

The Cornish Pirates, along with their dedicated supporters, have been thanked by representatives of Guide Dogs for the Blind following a successful collection at the Cornish Pirates versus Bedford Blues game. Held at the Mennaye Field in Penzance, the collection raised an impressive total of £540.58 for the charity.

Charity Thanks for Pirates’ Warm Welcome

Representing the Penzance & St. Ives branch of Guide Dogs for the Blind, Richard Sherry expressed his gratitude to the club and its supporters, highlighting the special atmosphere of the event. He commented:

“I wish to express that the members of our small group thoroughly enjoyed the experience of attending the game, it is rare that they get involved in such an atmosphere. Thank you also again to all at the Pirates who were so kind and accommodating during the event, which enabled us to raise the excellent sum of £540.58 for the charity.”

In addition to collecting inside the ground, Guide Dogs for the Blind representatives had a presence inside the Pirates clubhouse, with Cornish Pirates’ player Alex Everett pictured supporting the group.

Photo: Besides collecting inside the ground, representives from the Guide Dogs for the Blind also had a presence inside the Pirates clubhouse – Photo credit: Phil Westren.

Guide Dogs’ Work and Importance

Every day in the UK, 250 people begin to lose their sight, with two million people currently living with sight loss. By 2050, this number is expected to double. Guide Dogs for the Blind supports those affected by sight loss, helping them live independently and actively through a range of services tailored to their needs.

The charity, founded in 1931 by Muriel Crooke and Rosamund Bond, is now the world’s largest breeder and trainer of working dogs. Since its establishment, 36,000 lives have been transformed through guide dog partnerships.

How Public Donations Make a Difference

The charity relies heavily on public donations, which help fund the training and support for guide dogs, typically a mix of labradors, golden retrievers, and other suitable breeds. Every penny raised makes a difference, helping the charity continue to provide essential support for those with partial or full sight loss. The charity also extends its services to children suffering from sight loss, providing equipment and support to improve their quality of life.

For more information about Guide Dogs for the Blind and how you can support their work, visit Guide Dogs.

Photo: And the group ready to collect inside the ground. Also pictured left is Cornish Pirates’ player Alex Everett. – Photo Credit: Brian Tempest