A CEREDIGION blind runner completed her ‘toughest’ run yet when she completed the Ogi Porthcawl 10K.

Louise Jenkins, 57, from Lampeter, took on the race on Sunday, July 2 to raise money for Guide Dogs Cymru.

Louise, who works as a housing officer for Ceredigion County Council, decided to fundraise for Guide Dogs Cymru after her independence was restored when she got her two-year-old guide dog Sian.

“I had been without a guide dog for nearly three years and found it a struggle to get out and about independently,” said Louise.

“I even lost the confidence to go running.

“It’s so different now I have my new dog Sian. She’s only been in my life for four months and we have done so much already.

"I never thought I’d get so much pleasure from just being able to travel to work on a bus, or walk and get shopping whenever I need something.

“Sian knows when I feel sad or I’m missing my husband Adrian, who is in a nursing home.

"She comes and puts her head on my knee or makes me laugh by hiding my shoes. She certainly is my life changer.”

Louise completed the run in one hour and four minutes with the help of guide runner Mel Gaul, who was attached to her via a wristband.

“Mel did a fantastic job of guiding me as usual. She gives me verbal warnings as we approach potholes, speed bumps or tramlines," Louise said.

“This was one of the toughest runs I’ve done, narrow and winding in places and very busy. My guide dog, Sian, had a well-earned day off at the beach.

“My previous guide dog, Trinity, is enjoying her retirement, and I’m hoping to raise enough to name a guide dog puppy after her to thank her for keeping me safe all those years.”

The Ogi Porthcawl 10K was Louise’s third event where she fundraised for Guide Dogs and is hoping to raise £2,500.

Louise pledged to donate £1 for every minute it took her to complete the course in honour of her friend Joanna Grundy, who was celebrating a birthday.

Joanna immediately matched it with a £64 donation. She said: “Louise and Guide Dogs deserve it.”

Louise’s fourth race in support of Guide Dogs will be the Barry Island 10K on August 6.

You can donate and view Louise’s journey at her JustGiving page.