Mayor Plays it Cool in the Shades for Guide Dogs
Bexley's Mayor, Brian Beckwith, played it very cool on Friday 30 June when he and the Mayoress donned their sunglasses in support of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.
The Mayor was among thousands of school children and adults across the UK who made a donation of £1 to wear their sunglasses in support of the charity. Although they both enjoyed their stroll in Bexley's sunshine, there is a very serious side to their message. Mayor Beckwith says: "Shades Day is a great way to raise much needed funds for Guide Dogs. But it also highlights an important eye care message for us all."
This year's Shades Day coincided with the Guide Dogs charity celebrating the 75th anniversary of the first guide dogs in the UK, which qualified with their pioneering blind owners in Cheshire in 1931. Guide Dogs is committed to eye health education and has invested more than £10 million into researching the causes of eye conditions. There are simple measures that everyone can take to look after their eyes and potentially, save their sight.
The Mayor adds: "This is a good opportunity for us all to learn more about eye care, particularly in the sun, such as the importance of wearing good quality sunglasses."
