Hillier Garden Centres which has 12 stores across the South East, has raised £29,765.18 for the Guide Dogs charity over the past two years, through donations from customers and the tireless efforts of staff.

The money raised has sponsored a guide dog named ‘Chelsea’ through her training and prepared her to begin a life of helping her new owner.

Chris Francis, garden centre director for Hillier, said: “Whilst we have been redeveloping our stores and pushing the business forward with our new gardening club, Hillier is still, at its heart, a compassionate family run business. We like to be able to give something back to the community, which is why we choose a charity every two years to give our assistance to.

“I’m thrilled we’ve been able to raise so much for the Guide Dogs for the Blind charity and wish Chelsea well in her new home. We hope to continue to hear how she’s getting on.”

The cheque for the charity was presented by Robert Hillier, owner of the garden centre group, to Nicola West, accompanied by her dog Hilly, at the recently updated and renovated Hillier Garden Centre in Liss.

Nicola, from Guide Dogs for the Blind, said: “With a generous donation like this, it’ll mean we can increase the amount of dogs.

“The dogs are life changing, the confidence a dog can give you is amazing. You feel empowered. It has given me the confidence to get a job. I don’t know where I’d be without Hilly.”

Hillier will be continuing its fundraising by supporting another charity from 2015-2017, details of which will be released soon.

Pictured, from left to right,: retired Guide Dogs homer, Hillier Garden Centre Director Chris Francis, Guide Dogs for the Blind Support Worker Nicola West and Hillier Garden Centre group owner, Robert Hillier.