THE MAWDDACH Estuary will be the setting for a sponsored walk later this month in memory of a very special guide dog from Gwynedd.

Folly, a German Shepherd bitch, was one of the first four guide dogs ever trained in the UK.

She became the eyes of Bangor-born Thomas ap Rhys, a blinded ex-soldier, in 1931.

Guide Dogs supporters hope the walk will push them closer to the £10,000 they need to raise to name a new puppy Folly.

Folly’s devoted owner, Thomas, was born in 1897 at Coleg Bala Bangor, where his father was a lecturer.

His grandfather was one of the founders of the Welsh colony in Patagonia.

When he was 18, Thomas joined the Royal Engineers and served in France, with the Army number 113270.

He was blinded in 1917, and was later sent to St Dunstans to train as a masseur.

During World War II he realised he could help wounded soldiers with his massage skills, and became a physiotherapist at the Caernarfon and Anglesey Hospital in Bangor.

He also made history in 1929 when he stood for Labour in the Caernarfon constituency, losing out to none other than David Lloyd-George.

Thomas’ life was transformed when he was paired with his guide dog.

He wrote: “With Folly, I do not mind walking at the fastest pace or even running with her.” He continued to use guide dogs for the next 48 years and died in 1978, aged 81.

Jacquie Hughes-Jones, community fundraiser for Guide Dogs Cymru, said: “Gwynedd is proud to be linked to one of the UK’s first four guide dogs, and our supporters want to make sure Folly is never forgotten.

“We’ll be bringing our guide dogs and pet dogs on the walk, raising money and celebrating the bond between dog and owner. People are welcome to join us on the walk, which is accessible for all ages and abilities.”

Walkers are meeting in the Marian Car Park in Dolgellau at 11am on Wednesday, 30 May before setting off along the estuary path to the George III hotel and back. A further walk is planned at the Menai Straits later this summer.

For more details ring Jacquie Hughes-Jones on 07919 228635 or email [email protected]