An Art student who is awaiting her final results at Solihull College & University Centre is on a mission to use her skills to raise money for Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Ruby Hemming wants to be an illustrator and has written, illustrated, and published a book about her friend’s guide dog, Harrison.
Ruby comments: “I really want to help educate people about disabilities through my art. I want it to have meaning. It’s important for me to show how incredible guide dogs are, how they change lives and how they have such a positive impact.”
Ruby is no stranger to guide dogs. Her family are puppy raisers, which means they foster guide dog puppies from 8 weeks old until they are about 14 months old and ready to go off to big school!
The book, ‘Always Beside You, the Story of a Hero in a Harness’ is on sale for £15 here and charts the story of Harrison the guide dog. Ruby was aiming to raise £1000, but has smashed that target and is now on her way to £2000, thanks to great support. The money will go towards a larger pot to name a guide dog in the future.
Ruby says it’s a great way to support the charity: “I have seen firsthand just how important guide dogs are to blind or partially sighted people. My friend Sam has Stargardt disease which means she has lost her central vision. Harrison has been invaluable in helping her have a fulfilling life. He’s now due to retire and Sam will be keeping him. We want to name a puppy for Sam’s friend who sadly died last year and this money will go towards that.”
Ruby is off to study illustration in Hereford at the college of arts in September and aims to become a children’s illustrator.
