A Cirencester man who has helped raise more than £160,000 for Guide Dogs after his own beloved pet passed away has been given a national award.
Keith Sykes started supporting the sight loss charity in 2011 following the death of his dog Lucy.
A keen angler, Keith founded charitable organisation Lucy's Bowl to fundraise through hosting various angling themed events.
The money raised has been used to sponsor 22 guide dog puppies. Each guide dog puppy supported was named Lucy until 2019 when Keith lost his son Ben, aged 36, to bowel cancer.
Keith said: “Lucy was an incredible dog, I adopted her as a 14-month-old puppy and had her for eight years. She sadly passed away after an aggressive form of cancer.
“She used to come fishing with me and was a regular in the CARPology magazine I write for and when she died, we just wanted to celebrate her life.
“We decided we should also do a raffle and raise some money for Guide Dogs. It is incredible how it has grown over the years.
“It started with a dozen or so people, now there is a hundred or more!”
“Ben was so supportive and a linchpin in the success of Lucy’s Bowl from day one until the week in which he died.
“We decided that, in memory of Ben, we would raise money to name puppies after him too.
Keith's work has now been recognised with a Platinum Champions Award.
READ MORE: Inspirational Cirencester woman nominated for award
He is one of 490 volunteers to receive the award, set up by the Royal Voluntary Service in honour of the Queen's jubilee, from thousands of nominees.
“I was extremely surprised, honoured and humbled to receive the award," said Keith.
“Without the people around me, it wouldn’t be able to happen.”
“When we find out the puppies have gone on to become working guide dogs, it is an incredible feeling.
“Whatever people can give or however they get involved with Lucy’s Bowl, can help change someone’s life."
To find out more about how you could name a guide dog puppy, visit guidedogs.org.uk/nameapuppy
More information about Lucy’s Bowl is available at lucysbowl.co.uk or facebook.com/lucysbowl
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