Hargreaves Court fundraises a new furry friend!

Residents at Hargreaves Court in Preston are delighted to announce the arrival of a new, furry friend named Hargreaves.  

The new addition comes as a result of the residents' dedicated fundraising efforts for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. 

In February 2023, residents at Housing 21’s Retirement Living scheme embarked on a mission to collect £2,500 for the charity to allow them to qualify for its ‘Name a Puppy’ scheme. The scheme enables people to be a part of a guide dog puppy’s journey to helping those with sight loss. They began their fundraising journey by hosting their very own Spring fair. They got off to a good start by raising £676.72 and continued to fundraise through various other initiatives.  

Less than a year later, residents raised the rest of the money by selling breakfasts to contractors when the scheme was undergoing works, held an Autumn fair and collected donations from the community. Their most innovative venture was the creation of a 2024 calendar, featuring imaginative recreations of scenes from iconic films, such as Titanic, Easy Rider and Seven-Year Itch.   

After successfully raising the money, the residents eagerly waited for the arrival of a new Guide Dog puppy. Hargreaves was born on 17 December 2023 and is a Labrador crossed with a Golden Retriever.   

Lynne Whittaker, Community Fundraising Relationship Manager at Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, said: “As a charity, we are incredibly grateful for the support from our local community. Our ‘Name a Puppy’ scheme is a wonderful opportunity to be at the heart of a Guide Dog puppy's story.  

“It’s amazing to think that, in the future, Hargreaves the puppy could help someone living with sight loss to live the life they choose all thanks to the residents at Hargreaves Court. Thank you so much for your support.”

(Pictured: residents from Hargreaves Court with their certificate from Guide Dogs for the Blind Association) 

The residents agreed on the name ‘Hargreaves’, named after the name of the scheme they call home. One resident said: “I think it sounds quite distinguished and different.” 

Local Housing Manager at Hargreaves Court, Francine Taylor, expressed her admiration for the residents' dedication, stating: “I think it is a wonderful tribute to the residents at the court for their hard work and generosity, supporting such an amazing charity.”  

When asked about Hargreaves, one resident said: “We can’t wait to hear how Hargreaves gets on with his training and what adventures await him.”  The residents can’t wait to receive their six month pup-date from Hargreaves in a few months’ time, whilst he completes his training to become a Guide Dog.