Darlington man thanks Guide Dogs who changed his life

From going to discos, trips to the opera, holidaying in the Lake District and tuning the piano at Durham Cathedral, Gavin Atkins' trusty helpers have always been on hand.

The 68-year-old, from Darlington, is marking 50 years of guide dog ownership, as the charity celebrates its 90th anniversary.

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Mr Atkins, who was born partially sighted, has been registered blind since he was nine following an unsuccessful operation to improve his vision.

The piano tuner, who studied at the Royal Institute for the Blind, lives with his partner Philip and guide dog Winter, a black golden retriever and Labrador cross.

He has never forgotten his first guide dog Cindy, who he was partnered with in autumn 1971, when he was 18.

“As a child, I had always said I wanted a guide dog, and when I was partnered with Cindy at aged 18, she truly transformed my life," he said. "It felt like the equivalent of being given a Harley Davidson! While I was always independent, it really was life-changing.

Cindy, Gavin's first guide dog

"Guide dogs are incredible – they really do navigate you round every obstacle and they make you feel so safe. While a long cane gives you the mobility, it can’t of course see for you, and so I really can’t highlight enough how much a guide dog can help someone with sight loss.

“Times were a little different when I had Cindy – I remember I used to take her to discos! She was a wonderful, happy dog with a cheeky character and nothing worried her at all.

“Life really started opening up after Cindy, and I was able to do things on my own without relying on others so much – although you’re never really on your own with a guide dog by your side.”

Gavin Atkinson and Winter tuning the piano at Newcastle Cathedral

He is also supported by a government-funded support worker driver, which enables him to attend piano tuning jobs further afield.

From people’s pianos at home, to schools to even Durham Cathedral, Mr Atkins has tuned and serviced pianos all across the region.

He added: “There aren’t many piano tuners around anymore – as more and more people have electric pianos, it’s become a bit of a dying trade and there’s only myself and a few others in the region. My current guide dog, Winter, always comes along with me too.”

Winter at Totnes

While he has had a mostly positive experience as someone as a visual impairment, he does find there are a number of challenges – particularly with the ever-changing outside environment.

“Shared spaces – where cars, scooters and bikes can share the same road – is a huge problem for those with sight loss. Parts of the town don’t feel as safe as they used to be – years ago it used to be that cars drove on roads and people walked on paths, but now there seems to be no definition.

“It can be scary, particularly with electric vehicles such as e-scooters which you can’t hear coming. Thankfully, guide dog training has adapted to this and I do feel safe with Winter by my side.”

Winter, who retires this week, has also helped Mr Atkins travel, go on holiday and attend classical concerts and opera

When she retires, Winter will be rehomed as a pet and Mr Atkins will be partnered with a new guide dog. He added: “Having a guide dog is a real responsibility – it’s a partnership and Guide Dogs work hard to ensure you’re matched with the right dog for you.

"On Guide Dogs’ 90th anniversary, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks – without them, I wouldn’t have had the same independence or life that I’ve had these past 50 years."

“And of course, how could I not mention my amazing seven guide dogs Cindy, Nessie, Pinky, Hector, Carter, Nathan and Winter.

“I would really encourage anyone with a visual impairment who are on the fence about getting a guide dog, to really consider it. While of course, dogs aren’t right for everyone, you’re really never on your own with a guide dog.”