A Stafford-based charity working to support the blind in the area has been robbed of an essential run for its guide dogs - before it could even be put to use. The item had been donated to Staffordshire Blind, based in North Walls, three weeks ago by another charity, Guide Dogs for the Blind. Volunteers for Staffordshire Blind, which offers support to the visually impaired, had been clearing an area behind the organisation's offices for the run, which was worth several hundred pounds. But early last week organisers realised three of the four pieces of the galvanised metal structure, which was stored in a secure area, had been stolen. Margaret Thomas, the group's vice chair, explained: "The run would have been for guide dogs like mine, Flora. "A few weeks ago I contacted Guide Dogs for the Blind and said that now that we have a lot of guide dogs, together with their owners, visiting us, it would be useful to have a 'spend pen' where the dogs could have a run and relieve themselves. And I left it at that. "The next thing I knew, I was told that one was going to be delivered - free - and that was lovely." She slammed the thieves who took the run and told The Post: "We are a charity and we were given (the run) by another charity and that's why it was so important and why this is such a loss. "The parts were behind a locked gate (which wasn't broken) but I think it must have been opportunist, what with the price of scrap metal being so high at the moment and the number of drug users around here." Mrs Thomas added: "It seems pointless us asking Guide Dogs to send us out another one. "If they have taken one already, they are going to take another, even if they only get a few pounds for it." Wendy Webb, deputy chief executive of Staffordshire Blind, said: "Most of our money comes from fundraising. "That run cost £300 and we just can't afford to replace it." Staffordshire Blind, based at 52-64 Northwalls, is open to the public between 9am and 4.30pm. The charity provides a wide range of equipment for visually impaired people, for sale and to rent. It also has a help desk at Stafford District General Hospital, runs 11 groups within the county and employs two home visitors who assist individuals in their own homes. * If you have information regarding the theft, contact Stafford police on 08453 302010, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. * Can you help Staffordshire Blind replace its run? If so, contact them on 01785 254572. | 
