St Andrews Links worker launches charity blindfold challenge in memory of beloved dog

A Strathkinness man will walk eight golf courses under blindfold in aid of Guide Dogs, inspired by his pet dog who helped raise funds for the charity.

Richard Burns, 71, who works at St Andrews Links, has set himself the ‘great eight’ challenge of walking one golf course a day for eight days.

The challenge teed off on Sunday, October 25 and finishes on November 1 on the famous Old Course.

Richard said: “I did a million steps for Guide Dogs back in 2021 and have completed other fundraisers, but this is my daftest one yet.

“I will have helpers guiding me along the way and hope the weather is kind.

“This challenge is about recognising the daily barriers faced by people living with sight loss and standing in support of a future where everyone can move through the world with confidence, independence, and dignity.”

Guide Dogs is a charity close to Richard’s heart.

“Part of this fundraiser is to remember our beautiful golden retriever Annie, who we sadly lost earlier this year,” said Richard.

“We had Annie for 15 years and it was a privilege and joy to know her. She was an ambassador dog for Guide Dogs, helping the North East Fife Fundraising Group raise lots of money over the years. My wife Moira volunteers with the group and makes crafts to sell at events.

“Losing Annie left a huge hole in our lives and we decided to start our puppy raising journey with Guide Dogs. We now have our first guide dog puppy, Charlie, who is a little cherub.

“It won’t be easy to give her back to Guide Dogs after the year but we have to remember we’re doing this for someone who needs her more than we do.”

Guide Dogs is appealing for more volunteer puppy raisers in Fife, stating 100 volunteers are needed every month to meet demand.

Across the UK, almost two million people live with sight loss that affects their everyday lives. Around 180,000 people rarely leave their homes alone and can experience loneliness and isolation. Guide Dogs is working to change that by helping create a world where people with sight loss are never left out of life, and where blindness or partial sight is not what defines someone.

Richard’s fundraising page can be found at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/richard-burns-3

For more information on volunteering opportunities visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteering.