With a name like Whitchurch Whippets Running Club, it is no surprise the popular team from the town supported an initiative to train guide dogs.

The club donated £200 to help train a new puppy following the death of a Golden Retriever/Labrador cross guide dog in training called Kelsey, who was working towards being a fully qualified guide earlier this year.

The donation was added to a pot of money already raised by Guide Dogs Shrewsbury team after the Shrewsbury Mobility Team were devastated by the passing of Kelsey following peritonitis which lead to kidney failure.

In tribute to Kelsey’s love of free runs off the lead, the team decided to take part in the Grocontinental Relay at Alderford Lake, Whitchurch, on July 12.

Initially the team set what would prove to be a fairly modest target of £500 but donations poured in, with messages and love of support for Kelsey from afar a field as America and Australia. As a result, the team came together and set a new target to raise £2,500 and Name a Puppy.

When Whitchurch Whippets learned of the cause they offered great support, raising the profile of Guide Dogs cause and playing a crucial role in helping raise those vital pounds, including Chairman of Whitchurch Whippets Running Club John Dillon attending the Guide Dogs Shrewsbury Office this week to handover their contribution.

Rachel Lloyd, head of mobility services for Guide Dogs Shrewsbury Mobility Team, thanked all involved.

She said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank John and everyone at the Whitchurch Whippets, not only for organising the relay at Alderford Lake, but for their amazing support in helping promote Kelsey’s cause, and of course for the very generous donation."

Kelsey had the makings of a very special Guide Dog, and his abilities had seen him potentially matched to someone who had very specific individual needs, so his sudden passing was heart-breaking on so many levels.

However his story has inspired many, and support that it will be impossible for anyone to think of Kelsey and not find a reason for a smile, and the fact that there will be a new dog named in Kelsey’s honour will ensure those smiles remain for years to come.