After losing his sight in an accident, Ken has had three guide dogs.  He became involved in raising funds for Guide Dogs and carried on doing so for a good 26 years.  He set up a support group for visually impaired people, which he still runs.  Sadly, Ken lost his lovely guide dog Terry recently, but he still enjoys talking to groups about his life with Terry and awareness of visual impairment.

Ken likes to support local causes and does so with the help of his friends.

Ken says, 'I have always gone though my life with a happy smile, and if I can help someone bring a smile to their face, then I've done a good job.'

If you would like Ken to visit your group for a talk, please use the Contact Form 

Barry and Gill met Ken as puppy walkers many years ago.  They like to support Ken because, 'he is an inspiration to others and is always cheerful, even though he has to live in darkness.'

David and Julia had been involved with raising funds for Guide Dogs for many years when they met Ken. Julia  became a puppy walker and several of her pups have gone on to become successful guide dogs. David is now doing a splendid job as  Friends of Ken Weinling treasurer.

Jackie met Ken when he was giving a talk about life with his guide dog Terry.  She was so impressed that she became a puppy walker, looking after and giving basic training to guide dog puppies.  Jackie is now responsible for the Friends of Ken Weinling website.

Jackie says, 'working with Ken is great fun and I really admire the good work he does.'

Yvette met Ken back in 2000 when she started puppy walking guide dog puppy Marco.  She has puppy walked seven pups, four of which qualified.   

In March 2014 Yvette adopted retired guide dog Oakie, one of the puppies she'd walked and kept in touch with as he worked with his owner.  Oakie attended coffee mornings and fundraising events and would do anything for a carrot.  Sadly, Oakie is no longer with us, but he left us all with fond memories.

Several years ago, Pam decided to have a coffee morning to raise funds for Guide Dogs. They put her in touch with Ken and she discovered she only lived round the corner from him.  Pam has been a tremendous help in organising coffee mornings, making teas and her famous bread pudding.  She was often joined by husband Les, who sadly passed away on 11th September 2024.

Mary first met Ken many years ago when he gave talks to her children's school and brownie group.  When she decided to do voluntary work, she contacted Ken and offered to help with Friends of Ken Weinling. 

On 16^th September 2024 Mary sadly passed away after her battle with cancer.  Rest in peace our dear Mary.  

Sue met Ken through Jenny, who was involved with the group for many years before she sadly passed away in 2018.  Sue began by driving Jenny to our events, before becoming fully involved with the group.    

Vicky met Ken when her mum Yvette started puppy walking in 2000.  As she grew older, she started helping out at fundraising events and now, 20 years on, you will find her at most of our events. Vicki is often seen on our cake stand with her delicious home-made cakes.  She says, 'Ken is a truly inspirational person and I consider myself lucky to call him a friend.'