Charity fund set up in memory of Shropshire woman Summer Robertson nears £24,000

The news comes as the first puppy has begun training as a guide dog as a result of the fund.

The specially bred golden labrador cross, who has been named Summer in memory of Miss Robertson, is being trained thanks to a donation of £10,000 from the money raised.

Miss Robertson was relaxing at the end of a 10-week programme working with deprived youngsters in South Africa when she drowned at Woody Cape beach, near Port Elizabeth, in December, 2014.

• To donate to the fund online visit justgiving.com/fundraising/summersunshine

• The Shrewsbury branch of Guide Dogs for the Blind is also seeking volunteer puppy walkers, as well as people to help with fundraising for the charity. Anybody able to help in either role can telephone the charity on 0118 983 8756.

She, and fellow volunteer Alice Barnett, 19, from Canterbury, both drowned.

Following Summer's death, her family set up an appeal to raise money for Guide Dogs for the Blind in their daughter's memory.

Mrs Robertson today said she was delighted by the response to the appeal, and said it would continue to raise money for guide dogs.

"I'm thrilled, given that we originally set out to raise £5,000, which would have been enough to sponsor one dog," she said.

"We were wondering what we would call the others, but the people at Guide Dogs for the Blind said we can call as many of them Summer as we want, so I think that is what we will do."

There were cheers when the first guide dog to be called Summer called into assembly at a Shropshire school.

The golden retriever labrador cross, was greeted with rousing applause as she walked onto the stage at Sundorne School in Shrewsbury for its end-of-term assembly.

Summer Robertson's mum Sarah is a teacher at Sundorne, and many of the pupils had contributed to a fundraising appeal set up by the family in Summer's memory.

Mrs Robertson said pupils at the school had made a huge contribution to the appeal, holding numerous fundraising activities.

"The children have been brilliant, they have got right behind it," she said.

"It's lovely for them to be able to meet Summer, not just any guide dog but the guide dog they have been raising money for."

Leah Welsby, 13, and her friends Mia and Yasmin Evans, both 14, raised more than £1,000 towards the appeal.

"We did dog walking, and we had jumble sales," said Leah. "I feel quite proud, it was really exciting being able to see Summer."

Mrs Robertson said the family chose to raise money for Guide Dogs for the Blind as Summer's two great loves had been animals and helping others.

"We wanted to find a charity that would combine the two," she said.

"The whole community has been fantastic, it's been a truly local thing.

"We are now going to keep going and see if we can raise as much money as possible."

It was the last assembly at Sundorne School, in Corndon Crescent, before it merges with The Grange School to form The Shrewsbury Academy.

Summer was brought into school by puppy walkers Kath and Dave Underwood.

Their job is to help familiarise dogs with all different manner of surroundings.

This is so they are comfortable in any situation which they might find themselves in.

"She is three-quarters retriever, and a quarter labrador.

"It is something Guide Dogs for the Blind is trying to do as it combines the best attributes of each," said Mrs Underwood.

She said the donation from the Summer Robertson appeal was equivalent to what a branch of Guide Dogs for the Blind would be expected to raise in a whole year.

"To have raised so much money in such a short time is fantastic," said Mrs Underwood.

"It's made a huge difference, we are very grateful indeed."

Summer is ten months old and she will stay with the Underwoods for another four months.

Then the fledging guide dog will be sent to the big school for formal guide dog training.

Once she has completed that, she will then do a further eight weeks advanced training to prepare her for her work.

Then the dog will finally be given to a blind person to help them on a day to day basis.

In the meantime, Summer will be used to promote the work of Guide Dogs for the Blind.

She will take part in charity appeals and school visits.

Miss Robertson was a keen footballer and a close friend of Wolves midfielder Jack Price.

The two had played football in the same team for Harlescott Junior School under-tens.

Mr Price made a £500 donation to the memorial fund as a tribute to his childhood friend.

About 500 people turned out for Summer's funeral at Shrewsbury Abbey.

They donated £1,500 to help the appeal through a collection at the funeral.

A charity auction also raised more than £8,000 to help to boost the group's memorial appeal.