Carlisle Mayor looking ‘cool’ for Guide Dogs

(Date of issue: Thursday, 19 June 2008)

The Mayor of Carlisle, Councillor Mrs Jacquelyne Geddes and Cllr David Morton will be putting fellow councillors in the shade when they don sunglasses tomorrow Friday (20 June), to support the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association’s Shades Day.

The Mayor is supporting the charity’s eighth national campaign and will be joined by Cllr David Morton, a local Guide Dog owner. The event aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful Ultra Violet (UV) rays. Over exposure to UV can lead to an increased risk of cataracts and ocular melanoma (eye cancer).

The Mayor of Carlisle, Councillor Mrs Jacquelyne Geddes said:

"Shades for a Day is a fantastic way to raise money for Guide Dogs and also highlights an important eye care message. I hope local residents support the campaign."

Guide Dogs is committed to investing in research into the causes and prevention of sight loss.

Tom Pey, Guide Dogs’ Director of Policy said:

"Shades Day is an ideal opportunity to think about eye care. Good sunglasses protect the eyes from damaging UV sunlight, which can contribute to macular degeneration and cataracts. Your shades don’t have to be the most expensive: experts recommend wraparound sunglasses marked "Type2" and with a CE symbol. So there’s really no excuse for not donning your shades and raising money for Guide Dogs!"

For a fundraising and information pack, full of ideas and information, and to learn more about eye health, visit The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association’s website at www.guidedogs.org.uk and register online or phone 0845 606 6298.