A woman who lives with a rare form of glaucoma is regaining her independence after the sudden loss of her trusted guide dog Bob

Margaret Hutchison, 71, from Kirkintilloch, was chosen to star in a BBC Lifeline Appeal for Guide Dogs to showcase the charity’s important work.

She joined two other individuals in the ten-minute programme which showed how the organisation has significantly changed their lives.

The charity’s work was detailed in the moving broadcast that aired on January 28 on BBC One, presented by actress Wendi Peters.

During the broadcast, Ms Hutchison discussed the heartbreaking loss of her guide dog Bob.

In December 2021, Bob collapsed while on duty, leaving her without the support she relied on to navigate safely.

Glasgow Times: The VRS team supported her with navigating her surroundings using a white cane and taught her to

She said: “It happened very suddenly. My dog collapsed and died when I was out with him.

"We were working at the time. Very fortunately I had a friend with me but when Bob collapsed, we couldn’t get him up.

"A kind stranger stopped and managed to lift Bob into his car and bring him to my house so we could get him to the vet."

The sudden loss of Bob left Ms Hutchison feeling extremely apprehensive about venturing outdoors.

She said: "I was terrified of going out the door.

“You get used to the freedom and independence. Then to lose that it’s just traumatic.”

The Guide Dogs charity’s Vision Rehabilitation Service (VRS) restored Ms Hutchison's confidence and independence.

The team supported her with navigating her surroundings using a white cane, taught her to find landmarks and introduced her to a useful app that was able to assist with reading documents, letters, and labels.

She added: "The vision rehabilitation team gave me the confidence to get back out again.

"Otherwise I would have been stuck in the house for a couple of years without being able to get out at all."

The BBC Lifeline Appeal aims to show the charity's services designed to support people, children and adults, living with vision impairment.

Ms Peters said: “Being a dog owner myself, I know the huge benefits dogs can bring to people’s lives. I’m proud to have been an Ambassador for the charity since 2012 and over the years I’ve seen how these extraordinary animals can transform lives.

"Guide Dogs have developed a wide range of services with and without dogs to support people living with a vision impairment.

"They’re a charity, almost entirely funded by donations so I hope people will watch this Lifeline Appeal to learn more about how Guide Dogs help people with sight loss to live actively, independently and well."

Every donation raised during the appeal will be matched by Petplan, Guide Dogs’ corporate partner, up to a value of £20,000.

Ms Hutchison said she is hopeful she will be partnered with her next dog soon.

For more information about the charity and its services, visit guidedogs.org.uk