The Daily Populous Friday August 15th, 2025 evening edition
Authored by bbc.co.uk and submitted by Upstairs_Drive_5602

A woman whose cancer diagnosis meant she had to step back from fostering guide dogs has instead knitted hundreds of blankets for puppies about to start training.

Dot Robinson, who lives in Yarm, has helped raise more than 20 guide dogs over the past 10 years.

Last year, she was diagnosed with inoperable cancer, undergoing 30 sessions of radiotherapy in six weeks.

Despite no longer being able to look after dogs, Dot, 80, has continued to chip in by knitting more than 500 blankets that help puppies transition into guide dog training.

Dot is one of BBC Tees' BBC Make A Difference finalists – we'll bring you more of their stories through the summer and on your local station.

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winifredjay on August 15th, 2025 at 12:56 UTC »

Where do I send her a medal? Legit question; I’ll go get the best one I can find made up because she deserves it.

avid-learner-bot on August 15th, 2025 at 12:49 UTC »

It's amazing how someone dealing with such a tough situation has managed to channel their energy into something so kind and impactful, especially since she had raised over 20 guide dogs before her diagnosis.

firthy on August 15th, 2025 at 12:21 UTC »

Well that’s genuinely uplifting. Though I’m in bits now…!