A blind Llandysul woman who has raised hundreds of pounds for charity after competing in a half marathon has spoken of her anguish at the sudden retirement of her award-winning guide dog.

Louise Jenkins, aged 55, of Henllan, took on the 13-mile London Landmarks half marathon on Sunday, 1 August in aid of Guide Dogs Cymru just six months after the shock retirement of her beloved guide dog, Trinity, who had a bad back.

For Louise, manager of Camfan mental health drop-in centre in Lampeter, the loss of Trinity was devastating news and had a real impact on her independence.

“Trinity and I had been going into work all through the pandemic, as there were a lot of clients in crisis,” Louise said.

“For me, life without a guide dog is horrendous in every single way. I have to use a long cane to get out now, and it’s a struggle.

“I feel left behind in so many ways.

“I haven’t been on a bus since the Covid restrictions came in because I don’t feel confident without a dog.

“Your independence slips away, and you realise you’ve been avoiding people.

“I even lost my confidence to run and looked for excuses to train on the treadmill instead of going out. It’s had an impact on my mental health.

“I go through stages where I feel as low as when I first lost my sight.

“If anything, it’s worse because I know how good life can be with a guide dog, and what I could and should be doing.”

Louise is on the list for a new guide dog and, although training is back on track in Wales, she knows she could be waiting some time.

“You don’t simply order another guide dog in the post,” she said.

“You have to wait to be matched with the right dog for you, and lockdown has had a real impact on the number of dogs being trained.”

In the meantime, Guide Dogs Cymru sent a specialist to refresh Louise’s skills with the long cane.

“They were fantastic, and at least now I can get to the supermarket independently for a pint of milk,” she said.

“I’ve run half marathons before, but this event was a godsend.

“People have been more keen to sponsor me this time when they hear my story.”

Meanwhile, Trinity is enjoying her new-found retirement.

“She has gone into old-girl mode,” Louise said.

“She is happy just to lie around and have a lot of fuss. She’ll be quite happy to welcome a new guide dog into the house.”

Louise has so far raised more than £400 for Guide Dogs Cymru. To sponsor Louise, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Louise-jenkins19