SWINDON Guide Dogs chairman Alan Fletcher is stepping down from his role after eight years and more than half a million pounds raised.

Now he and his shadow Nutmeg are preparing to take life a little easier and thecharity is looking for new leaders.

Alan has been registered blind since 2005 and it was as a direct result of the new lease of life given him by his first dog Joy that he became chairman.

“Joy gave me so much and I really wanted to give something back to the charity,” he said. “That’s why I took on the chairman’s role.”

“She gave me a chance to get out again. I don’t think I could have just sat indoors doing nothing.”

But now he and wife Shirley, who has supported him in his fundraising efforts, are ready to take some time for themselves.

“It is about having a bit more time for us to do what we want when we want to do it,” Alan said.

“The chairman’s role was almost like a full-time job.”

His main aim when he took on the job was to raise the profile of guide dogs in the Swindon area and with Joy’s help the group managed to raise thousands to help pay for the training of more dogs.

“When I first started I was amazed at how generous people were in their giving,” he said.

And it wasn’t just the general public that Alan and his fellow volunteers and dogs met at fetes and carnivals, talks and presentations.

He said: “They help so much when you are fundraising. People can see something tangible by your side.”

Several large companies, including, WRC and Network Rail, also decided to lend their support by sponsoring puppies and raising money.

Alan, from Stratton St Margaret, paid tribute to the group’s supporters and sponsors saying: “Without members of the public we would not be able to do what we do.”

He was devastated when Joy had to be put to sleep in May 2013 after vets discovered a cancerous tumour wrapped around her intestines.

Apart from losing a much-loved and devoted companion, he also lost the independence he had regained.

Joy had meant Alan was not completely dependent on Shirley to take him out.

It was five months before Nutmeg arrived and his life was changed once again. She also gave Shirley back her independence.

“Joy changed my life and Nutmeg gave me my life back,” he said.

“The five month gap only served to highlight the importance of guide dogs to blind people and the constant need for dogs to be going through training."

Five-year-old Nutmeg is expected to work until she is around 10 when she will retire to live with the couple while Alan takes on a new guide dog.

Anyone interested in taking over can contact the southern mobility team on 0118 983 8892.