Member Article

Plymouth businessman takes inspiration from Guide Dogs tale

Peter Williams of oven valeting service Ovenu Plymouth North has received an insight into the vital work conducted by Guide Dogs as part of its Name a Puppy scheme.

The former Royal Navy electrical engineer, who launched his business last August, is one of more than 100 Ovenu franchisees across the UK funding the training of Labrador pup Selsey as she works towards becoming a fully qualified guide dog. The charity reports that she is “progressing well.”

During Ovenu’s annual conference, Peter was further inspired by guest speaker George Upfield and his guide dog Yoko.

George, left severely visually impaired after suffering a childhood brain tumour, began volunteering with Guide Dogs and joined the charity as an administrator, later becoming an operations support coordinator. He described the many aspects of its work and thanked everyone for their generous donations and puppy sponsorship.

Peter, 49, of Plymouth, said: “George’s talk was inspirational and really brought home how important it is to sponsor the training of puppies like Selsey. Guide Dogs offer life-changing independence and freedom to people living with sight loss. However, it’s more than just mobility, because the companionship of a guide dog also brings positive psychological and social effects.”

Rik Hellewell, the founder and managing director of the Ovenu franchise, said: “George’s personal story was very moving, and he inspired us all to continue to support Guide Dogs’ valuable work.”

Jo Berry, the charity’s business development manager, said: “We would like to thank everyone at Ovenu for their continued support of Guide Dogs, without the help of companies like Ovenu we would not be able to provide our life changing services to people living with sight loss.”

Ovenu Plymouth North covers the northern part of the city, including Pennycross, Barne Barton, Bickleigh, Woolwell, Morice Town and surrounding areas.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Joseph Sayer .