Provost supports Shades Day

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Renfrewshire's Provost Celia Lawson has donned her sunglasses and teamed up with local woman Judith Marshall, who is blind, to promote Shades Day.

The annual event, took place on Friday 20 June. It is designed to raise money for The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and encourages people that it is cool to look after their eyes.

People all over the UK donated £1 each so that they could wear shades for the day.

Judith, 64, from Renfrew, lost her sight suddenly at the age of 30 and has used a guide dog for 26 years. Her current dog Elkie, a four year old Labrador, is her fourth guide dog.

Judith said: "Having a guide dog for me is the difference between going out and staying in. Without her I couldn’t go much further than the end of the road."

"There are so many things I would love to see but can't, especially my two granddaughters."

Renfrewshire's Provost Celia Lawson said: "So many of us take our eyes and sight for granted whether we are watching the tv, reading or out in the sun. Walking down the street we know how to avoid obstacles as soon as we see them but people who are visually impaired have to rely on other senses and the support of a guide dog."

"This is a very important cause which we can all support just by putting on our shades for the day."

Press release: Monday 30 June 2008