Guide dog owner to abseil down Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth this weekend
“I'm looking forward to it but it's daunting."
A woman who was given a new lease of life by her guide dog is preparing to take on a 300-foot abseil down Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower this weekend.
Sue Taylor, who is in her 60s, will abseil down the tower on Sunday, July 19, alongside Guide Dogs volunteer Simon Wallenberg - raising money for the charity in the process.
Sue, who lives in the New Forest, is partnered with her second guide dog, a Labrador called Haven. She began losing her sight 36 years ago because of a rare retinal condition, and now has a prosthesis in one eye and tunnel vision in the other.
She described her remaining vision as being like "looking through dirty dish water".
"Without a guide dog, I can't be me," Sue said. "Haven's my independence and confidence, helping me to get out and about every day.
"I am limited because of my eye condition. I used to abseil down the Newquay cliffs 46 years ago and it gave me the idea of descending down a tall building. I'm looking forward to it but it's daunting."
The challenge is not Sue's first fundraising adventure. In 2015, she took part in a sponsored "blind drive", reaching speeds of 80mph on a racetrack to raise money for the charity.
Away from fundraising, Sue is a keen indoor bowler, playing for Dolphin Indoor Bowls Club and representing Disability Bowls England in matches against Wales and Scotland in 2022.
Joining her for the challenge will be Simon Wallenberg, who volunteers with Guide Dogs as a puppy raiser and also serves as merchandise coordinator for the charity's New Forest fundraising group.
Gemma Spencer, community fundraisingmManager at Guide Dogs, said: “Best of luck to Sue and Simon. It's an incredibly brave challenge to take on, and we're so grateful for their support."
Richard Hale, general manager at Spinnaker Tower, added: "We're delighted to welcome Sue and Simon to Spinnaker Tower for this incredible fundraising challenge. Abseiling from 100 metres above Portsmouth Harbour is an unforgettable experience. We're looking forward to cheering Sue on as she embarks on her latest challenge in support of such a worthy cause and wish her the very best of luck."
Guide Dogs relies almost entirely on donations to fund its work. Money raised from the abseil will help support adults and children with sight loss through services including guide dogs, buddy dogs and vision rehabilitation support.
To donate, please click this link.