The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association’s Post

Join us in congratulating guide dog owner John Hardy, who’s been recognised in the New Year Honours List 🎉 John’s been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the veteran community. He was nominated for his work volunteering for Blind Veterans UK at the Bridgwater Community Hub. A Guide Dogs spokesperson said: “Congratulations to John on his well-deserved award. What John’s done to support his local community is amazing and we’re delighted he’s been recognised in this way. Thank you to Blind Veterans UK for nominating John. “We know what a huge contribution John makes, including in his volunteer role as a speaker for Guide Dogs. This involves sharing his own story with different local audiences and raising awareness of our work. John’s also a vocal campaigner who’s spoken out when he’s encountered illegal access refusals with his guide dog, helping to highlight this important issue. “It’s lovely to hear that John’s guide dog Sid has played a big part in enabling John to achieve all he has. Well done to you both!” [Visual description: John and his wife Colleen stand together on a lawn at the back of Buckingham Palace while attending a garden party. John holds the lead of guide dog Sid, a black Labrador, who is sitting on the grass beside them] #NewYearHonours #Congratulations #Recognition #BEM #BritishEmpireMedal #Veteran #Volunteer #Volunteering #Support #Community #Nomination #Campaigning