Former Love Island finalist and Guide Dogs Campaign Star Faye Winter has had 'the most adventurous week of her life' – by undertaking a series of intense challenges to raise money for Guide Dogs Appeal this October.
Attempting a mud filled assault course ‘encouraged’ round by a former SAS soldier, covered in snakes and creepy crawlies, laser clay shooting and cooking under the watchful eye of a Michelin-starred chef, Faye has been taking on the challenges to raise vital funds for Guide Dogs.
Faye volunteered as a fosterer for guide dogs six years ago and provided a home for a total of six dogs in training, before finding fame on Love Island in 2021. Since then, she has put her celebrity status to good use by tirelessly raising money and support for Guide Dogs.
With 30 obstacles and unlimited muddy water to tackle, Faye scrambled over the bear nets, zoomed down the zip wire, did press ups in the mud, was pushed and pulled over bars and through a wall of tyres as she was put through her paces at the Bear Trail in Devon by former special forces commando Ollie Ollerton, star of TV’s SAS: Who Dares Wins.
Speaking after the challenge, Ollie said: “Faye has really risen to the challenge for a great cause. She was able to tough it out and was able to stand up and be counted when it mattered. As a result, the money she raised will help tackle the loneliness and isolation caused by sight loss.”
Faye then undertook a laser clay shooting exercise at Devon Laser Clays and hit the target on her first – lucky – shot.
The reality TV show finalist also felt the heat of working in the kitchen during the same week under double Michelin chef Michael Caines MBE at Lympstone Manor in Exmouth, where she produced three dishes including an appetiser of Lyme Bay scallop, celeriac and seaweed purée, seaweed beurre blanc.
Later, Faye endured a Creepy Crawly Experience at Animals2U South West, in Devon, where she met a tarantula called Miss Skinny Legs, Prince the Royal Python, Blue the gecko and Neville the bearded dragon.
She explained her passion behind the challenging mission, saying: “Sight loss can affect any person at any stage of life, that’s why this October I am doing a number of challenges to support guide dogs and those with sight loss.
Your challenges don’t need to be as crazy as mine, all you guys need to do is get involved with friends, family or work colleagues. You can even set up a bake sale or a dog walk – absolutely anything goes.
Faye Winter, Guide Dogs Campaign Star
Lynette Proctor, Community Fundraising Officer at Guide Dogs and guide dog owner, said: “For this year’s Guide Dog’s Appeal, we’re asking all our supporters, like Faye, to get together and raise funds to help tackle the loneliness and isolation caused by sight loss.
“Faye’s bravery and ability to turn her hand to the challenges at hand is amazing. Over the course of two days, she was willing to put herself outside her comfort zone to help others.
“Her fundraising efforts will have a real impact on the lives of people with sight loss and we hope Faye inspires as many people as possible to get involved.”
To donate to Faye's challenges, visit JustGiving here.
