'Massive concern' over rising costs of guide dogs

Scott Bailey has said being paired with his guide dog Milo changed his life

An aspiring Paralympian who went blind seven years ago has said he is "massively concerned" about the rising cost of guide dogs.

Scott Bailey, 36, was partnered with his labrador Milo through charity Guide Dogs after he lost his sight due to suffering diabetic retinopathy - high blood sugar damaging the back of the eye.

The former dairy farmer said Milo, now five years old, had changed his life after his condition left him "stuck inside".

But Mr Bailey, from Crewe, in Cheshire, said he was worried the high costs of raising guide dogs could lead to longer waiting times for people who need them.

"It's a massive concern, with me and Milo as well because Milo is getting older, so I'm going to be on the dreaded waiting list soon," Mr Bailey said.

"With the cost of raising the puppies going up, the waiting lists are going to get longer and it's going to get more difficult for Guide Dogs to fund these amazing animals."

Scott Bailey is hoping to compete in judo at the Paralympic Games in 2028

According to Guide Dogs, the cost of raising a dog before it is partnered with an owner has risen from £35,000 to £77,000 over the past five years.

The charity said it also cost about £25,000 to support the dog through its working life until it retired, usually at about nine years old Mr Bailey said, which took the total to £102,000 per dog.

• Listen: Guide dog waiting list worry for Crewe man

Mr Bailey, a judo competitor hoping to compete at the Los Angeles Paralympic Games in 2028, said the partnership with Milo had had a big impact on his life.

"I always said he's enabled me to be the girls' dad again and a better husband," he said.

"When I lost my sight, I didn't want to be here. I felt useless and in the way. I couldn't cope being stuck inside, but Milo gave me that purpose."

Mr Bailey said he understood the public had long supported Guide Dogs and it had become "one of the most-loved charities in the world".