Rex's story
When tests confirmed that Rex had inherited his mum’s eye conditions, his parents reached out to Guide Dogs for help. Now both Rex and his mum, Lorna, are living life to the full and want to say thank you to the charity which has changed their lives for the better.
Just before Rex’s first birthday, Rex’s parents realised something wasn’t quite right with his eyes. He was diagnosed with his mum’s rare eye conditions – nystagmus, and optic atrophy. Rex’s mum, Lorna, a guide dog owner herself to guide dog Yarren, reached out to Guide Dogs for support.
“I remember showing a picture [of Yarren] to Rex and he loved him. That made me realise what a positive step it was for us all.”
Support for Rex
Seven-year-old Rex is now being supported by Guide Dogs. The family applied for an iPad for him through the Tech for All scheme, and Rex absolutely loves using it for his homework. “Not only that but he loves using the audio book app and watching videos.”
Rex also loves to read, and the family are excited to make more use of Guide Dogs CustomEyes Books. “It’s so nice for him to comfortably read to me with a real book in front of his face rather than crunched over with a magnifier. It’s so nice for him to pick up a book and enjoy reading it.” says Lorna.
Fundraising and giving back to Guide Dogs
Rex was so grateful to Guide Dogs for their support, and seeing the difference Yarren has made for his mum, that he decided to raise money for Guide Dogs.
“Rex had the idea to raise £100. Then we told him about the Name a Puppy scheme and that really captured his attention, so he wanted to keep raising money.”
“Rex has done two muddy obstacle courses, the Mini Great North Run and a name a dog event at his school. That, combined with sponsored runs by his dad JD, has put his fundraising total at more than three thousand pounds. He’s gone way past our expectations and we’re so proud of him. He’s achieved so much for someone of such a young age.”
In September 2023 Rex officially raised enough money to Name a Puppy, and chose to give a dog the same middle name as himself – Kal-el. He also says he would like a guide dog in the future like his mum and hopes to have his favourite dog breed - German shepherds!