A CHARITY champion from Kilbarchan has been praised for her dedication as she stands down from a volunteering role after a decade of service.

Anne Ferguson has spent the past 10 years as Guide Dogs’ group co-ordinator for West Renfrewshire.

As well as coining in vital cash for the charity, she has been on a mission to raise awareness of the work it does.

Anne told The Gazette: “It’s been a big part of my life. Another side of it has been being a blind person’s sighted guide, which I did for three or four years.

“It’s always in the back of my head that you want the people you help to lead as independent a life as possible.

“If the guide dogs can give them that support, then whatever little I’ve been able to do to help is what has spurred me on.”

Anne now hopes someone else will step forward to fill her role at Guide Dogs – and has stressed that all volunteers at the charity find it to be a rewarding experience.

“It can be something as small as running a quiz night or a coffee morning or just collecting donations with a bucket at events,” she said. “The social side of it means you get to meet new people and have fun.”

Tammy McMichael, community fundraising relationship manager at Guide Dogs, is full of praise for Anne’s efforts over the past decade.

She said: “Anne has been a huge part of the fundraising family at Guide Dogs, leading the way with passion, enthusiasm and a genuine commitment to our mission to support people with sight loss to live the life they choose.

“By giving her time and energy, Anne has allowed our charity to continue supporting people with sight loss in West Renfrewshire and beyond.

“I hope Anne knows how much she will be missed – not just by me but by all the staff and volunteers who have had the pleasure of working alongside her these last 10 years.”

Guide Dogs volunteers must be aged 16 or over.

For more details, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer or call Heather Valentine on 0786 714 1453.