28 January 2023 , 18:39
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Countdown's Susie Dent is using her love of words to help blind people ‘see’ their surroundings.
The TV brainbox has become a My Sighted Guide volunteer, taking the visually impaired on days out and describing the world around them.
And the Dictionary Corner star reveals she was inspired by a fan of the hit Channel 4 show – and his guide dog Bruce.
Susie, 58, said: “For years, this blind man, Craig, would be in the audience with his dog and eventually I went over for a chat.
“Bruce even knew the rhythm of the Countdown clock and would wait until the break before going outside for a pee.
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Dent has become a My Sighted Guide volunteer (Rachel Joseph/ Channel 4)“I started bringing treats in for him. Being there meant so much to Craig and it couldn’t have happened without Bruce.”
Dog lover Susie signed up to volunteer via the Guide Dogs scheme and has just finished her training. That included experiencing what it’s like to live without sight and hearing personal experiences from the blind.
Susie said: “It’s such a brilliant process, understanding how tough it is for people with sight loss. Blindfolded, I had to pour water from a jug into a cup, match socks… all sorts of things the fully-sighted take for granted.”
Now the Countdown star can’t wait to be matched with someone.
She said: “Being able to describe a journey with a visually impaired partner hones your communication skills… you use words to bring the wonder of the world to life.
“It’s such a privilege to open the world up to someone who might feel trapped and lonely.”
Susie was inspired to volunteer by Countdown fan Craig and his guide dog Bruce
Pet lover Dent with a future guide dogSusie will join 1,000 other volunteers who take blind partners out to parks, shops, restaurants and concerts.
Nearly half those with sight loss report feeling isolated and cut off from the world – and there is a waiting list of more than 750 people wanting a trained partner like Susie.
“I love the idea of being someone’s guide dog… being their eyes and helping them have amazing experiences,” she said. “It’s a great way to re-see the world.
“It’s all flippercanorious, or blooming fantastic, and I hope others are inspired to sign up too.
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“Helping Guide Dogs has made me look up from my books and dictionaries and appreciate what I have and what I can do to help.”
To find out more about how you can become a My Sighted Guide, click here.