SIR: I would like to compliment Mr Phil Holland on his sterling voluntary work for Guide Dogs for the Blind and to thank him for his illuminating facts and figures (BEN January 2).

I certainly had no idea of the staggering amounts involved in supplying and training a Guide Dog. No wonder one sees so few around.

Taken together, the words "dogs" and "blind" are highly emotive, and any suggestion of criticism is bound to raise the hackles.

My late mother-in-law was blind and my father had glaucoma, so I have some inkling of this dreadful affliction.

I meant no offence to GDBA and long may their coffers continue to swell. I did not attack them and in my letter commended their excellent aims.

I made a plea for the smaller charities who may not have the pulling power and immediate appeal of a rich charity like Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Mrs I Dickens

?Colwyn Drive

Hindley Green

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