A BLIND pensioner from Northwich is walking 1,000 miles around her home town to raise vital funds for Guide Dogs.

Jean Fairfield, a guide dog owner and volunteer, has taken on the charity challenge to help more people with sight loss enjoy the independence she does.

The 73-year-old had always been blind in her left eye, but in 2000 following a bad bump to the head, the retina in her right eye detached.

Despite several operations, Jean was left with no central vision, making it incredibly difficult to get around and go out without sighted help.

This all changed when Jean was partnered with her first guide dog Carrie in 2001.

Jean said: "I don't know what I would have done without Guide Dogs, or without my wonderful guide dogs, Carrie, Phoenix and now Alice, who have given me back my independence."

Jean started her walking challenge in February this year, as she wanted to do an activity during lockdown while raising money for Guide Dogs.

She has been averaging between eight to 10 miles per day.

A lot of these miles have been with her guide dog Alice, a seven-year-old yellow Labrador cross Golden Retriever, while some have been with husband Robert, while Alice stays home for a rest.

"I am now on 850 miles, so I am planning to hit the 1,000 in July," Jean said.

"I have walked all of these miles in my home area of Northwich, going up and down the pavements of the local bypass and a circular mile route which surrounds my estate.”

Jean is the chairman of Guide Dogs Northwich Fundraising Group, which organises a variety of different fundraising activities throughout the year.

She is also a speaker for Guide Dogs and provides talks on Guide Dogs for various community groups.

Jean said: "Guide Dogs has become part of my family.

"I’ve felt very welcomed by the charity.

"It’s a joy to know them all, I can’t thank them enough for the guide dogs they have given me, and I wanted to give something back.”

Tracey Digby, community fundraising and relationship manager for Guide Dogs, said: "Volunteers like Jean are amazing and a vital part of our fundraising.

"When Jean first started this walk, she was going to do 20 marathons to celebrate 20 years of being a guide dog owner – 524 Miles.

"She has already exceeded this, and it looks like there is no stopping her!"

To support Jean and follow her progress visit justgiving.com/fundraising/jeanalice.

For more information on Guide Dogs services or volunteering opportunities visit guidedogs.org.uk.