Last week former Islander, Andrew Lennox, featured on BBC Radio Four’s In Touch programme.
Andrew became CEO of the Guide Dogs charity in September 2023, and spoke to the programme’s presenter, Peter White, about some of the issues raised by listeners.
Raised on the Isle of Wight
Born and raised at Yafford Mill on the Isle of Wight, Andrew spoke about what attracted him to the job with Guide Dogs, explaining that he’s interested in helping as many people as he can.
He spoke fondly about supporting the charity during his early life, and his vision for improving the outcomes of the charity.
A personal connection
Andrew explains the personal element of his plan to improve what the charity offers, in that he is on his own “vision impairment journey” with a diagnosis of double glaucoma, which he’s had for over 15 years.
Tackling waiting lists
Peter asked Andrew what his plans were to reduce the long waiting lists for Guide Dogs, which can run into two years or more. Covid was responsible for the drop in the number of Guide Dogs they were able to train and supply, leading to a spike in the length of waiting times.
He confirmed that breeding levels (1,400 puppies per year) are back up to the pre-pandemic levels, with the building blocks in place to resolve the waiting times.
Andrew speaks about other issues raised by listeners to the programme.
Listen again
If you missed the episode you can listen to the interview via BBC Sounds.
It will be available for at least one year from the broadcast date (2nd Jan 2024).
