BRIDGWATER’S John Hardy has been walking up to five miles a day with his guide dog Sidney to deliver prescriptions and supermarket essentials for people in his community.

John, who has been a member of the Blind Veterans UK charity since 2015, has walked more than 170km over the past month to make sure that those in his community are able to get exactly what the need during the lockdown.

Mr Hardy said: “I want to get out there and help any way I can.

“I have dropped off items for about 90 people in total and I think it’s just so important to help your local community at a time like this”.

John has had his guide dog Sidney for about three years and he has been helping John with all his daily trips.

Mr Hardy added: “I live in the Bridgwater area so if I have three houses to go to one day they could be very spread out.

“Both me and Sidney enjoy the exercise though and it’s a great way to keep fit.”

John is renowned for being very community-driven, as he is a key figure in the Bridgwater Dementia Action Alliance, organised The Hub community centre on the top floor of Angel Place, and has been supporting the Bridgwater Coronavirus Support Facebook group.

Since joining the Blind Veterans UK charity, John has had IT training and been given equipment to help him with day to day activities.

“The charity have given me a great deal of confidence back.,”Mr Hardy said.

“When you lose your sight you can end up in a dark place.

“When I joined Blind Veterans UK I realised that disability doesn’t have to get in the way – you can go out there and achieve things.

“I want everyone in my community to be looked after and that’s why I want to go out and help in any way I can.”

John also wanted to thank Sian Owen from Hidden Voices, Sheila Welland from the Armed Forces Breakfast Club, and Hub volunteer Zac Walton for help with longer distance calls and support on busier days.