Martin Jennings Memorial Run sponsor a guide dog for blind

£11,500 was raised by the 2021 Jennings Run to sponsor a guide dog for the blind named by public vote as Kernow.

However after Kernow Mk1 fell at the final hurdle of his training, the charity has agreed to give it one more go with Kernow Mk2.

“Because our first guide dog Kernow unfortunately failed to reach the standard required during the final stages of his training, we had the option of a second dog, and here he is, a black labrador, also named Kernow,” said run organiser David Saunby.

“Fingers crossed, let's hope he can go all the way to be a fully trained guide dog.”

Kernow Mark 2 has started his training (Image: Guide Dogs for the Blind)

He said they will have the next update in three months of how he is progressing with his puppy raiser, in either Cornwall or Devon.

Mr Saunby told the Packet: “It's a shame that Kernow Mk1 failed at his final stages of training to be a fully-fledged guide dog after £11,500 was raised in the 2021 Jennings Run to sponsor a guide dog for the blind.

“But it was in the agreement that if Kernow Mk1 did not come up to the required standard, then we would have the option of a second dog which we are very happy to accept, and will be having regular updates of his progress as he goes through his training process.

“The standards required to be a guide dog are very high, and there is quite a high percentage that don't make the grade required, so we wish Kernow Mk2 all the best, and that he comes through his training with flying colours.”

The Just Giving page for this year’s Martin Jennings Run in aid of an Alzheimer’ Society currently stands at £30 over its original £1,000 target.

The Packet Newspaper will be following Kernow's progress over the coming months.