A BLIND Lampeter woman is in training for her second London Landmarks half marathon, with this year’s event taking on special significance following the death of her mother and the sudden retirement of her beloved guide dog.

Louise Jenkins, from Henllan, was dealt a blow in January when her guide dog, Trinity, had to retire suddenly with a spinal problem.

Louise and Labrador retriever Trinity became Wales’s best-known guide dog partnership when Louise was named Inspirational Guide Dog Owner of the Year in 2017.

The dog proved especially popular with the clients of Camfan mental health drop-in centre in Lampeter, where Louise is manager.

Louise said she found it difficult to get out and about without her trusty guide, but is now waiting to be partnered with a new dog and said training for her second half marathon had helped.

“It has been a hard few months, but this race has given me something to focus on while I wait to be matched with a new dog,” she said.

Louise regularly takes part in distance events with the help of an experienced guide runner, but this time the role will fall to her eldest daughter Michelle, a non-runner.

The event, to be held on 1 August, will also have special significance for the family, as it is the only race that Louise’s mother ever came to watch.

She passed away last summer, when Louise was mid-way through a fundraising triathlon for Guide Dogs.

“My daughter saw this event advertised and suggested we do it in memory,” said Louise.

“Michelle’s a new mum, and a lot of my training has been on a treadmill in the garage lately, but I’m getting back out now with a guide runner, adjusting to roads and avoiding the bumps on the pavement.”

Louise will be taking on the half-marathon challenge with her daughter to raise money for the Guide Dogs charity.

Since the loss of Trinity, Louise said she had had to adapt to using a cane.

“I don’t like using a long cane but it’s needs must, as I have to be able to get out,” she said.

“Guide Dogs sent a specialist to refresh my skills with the cane and I was so proud the first time I went shopping alone in Sainsbury’s.”

• To sponsor Louise and Michelle, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Louise-jenkins19