Carmarthenshire mum says Guide Dogs support was a ‘lifeline’ after baby son diagnosed with albinism

Chloe Davies, who now lives in Neath Port Talbot, said she was “consumed by worry” after her son Louie was born just after Christmas 2024 with albinism, a rare genetic condition that can cause significant sight loss. Louie, now one year old, attends Guide Dogs Cymru’s My Time To Play sessions in Gowerton, which support young children with visual impairments and offer parents a vital support network.

A difficult start and months of uncertainty

Chloe said she realised something was wrong almost immediately after Louie’s birth, when midwives raised concerns about his unusually white hair and the possibility of albinism. After a stressful delivery and a week in hospital, she returned home feeling overwhelmed.

“I remember feeling completely consumed by worry for his future, and a huge sense of guilt,” she said. “It was like I was failing him, in that I’d somehow given my baby a difficult life before he’d even got started.”

In the months that followed, Chloe spent hours researching the condition, trying to understand how best to support her son. But attending baby groups left her feeling isolated.

“Seeing younger babies engaging more, looking around and reacting to things was incredibly hard. I’d often drive home in tears.”

Louie was later diagnosed with nystagmus, a condition that causes involuntary eye movements. Chloe said she struggled to access support until she finally reached an Eye Care Liaison Officer — and within 24 hours, Guide Dogs Cymru stepped in.

‘An absolute lifeline’

Guide Dogs arranged a home visit, linked the family with a Qualified Teacher of the Visually Impaired, and offered counselling support.

“They were an absolute lifeline to our family,” Chloe said. “It was a huge relief to finally have the right support reaching out to us.”

Louie now attends fortnightly My Time To Play sessions in Gowerton, where children under four with visual impairments develop key skills through sensory play. The sessions also give parents a chance to connect with others facing similar challenges.

“The sessions have been more rewarding than I could ever have imagined,” Chloe said. “They’ve opened up an entire community I didn’t even know existed.”

A milestone moment at the wedding

Chloe married her partner Andrew on 31 January at Pencoed House Estate, with Louie by her side as their “unofficial best man”.

“It will be a very special moment to have Louie with us at our wedding,” she said. “After everything we’ve been through together, it only feels right that he’s up there with us.”

She added that Louie is thriving: standing confidently, exploring the house, and “always with the biggest grin”.

“Louie is happy, curious and thriving, and so am I. That’s something I never thought I’d be able to say during those early months.”

Guide Dogs Cymru is encouraging families of visually impaired children to get in touch to access support through its Children and Young Person services.

More information is available at: guidedogs.org.uk/getting-support

Eating with a difference: Dining in the dark.

Fans of fine food in the Swansea area can put their dexterity to the test at a special event in the Vanilla Pod restaurant in Gower College on Thursday October 9.

The venue, a catering college, is holding a Dine in the Dark experience in aid of Guide Dogs Cymru. Diners will be invited to put on a blindfold, challenge their senses and enjoy a sumptuous set menu. Tickets are £32.50 each, with £7.50 from each sale going to Guide Dogs.

The event starts at 5.15pm with a chance to meet some local guide dogs and puppies before diners are taken to their seats at 5.45pm.

The set menu includes mushroom arancini, cauliflower soup with curry oil and crispy cauliflower florets, ham hock terrine, supreme of chicken with a chicken and tarragon mousse plus a white wine velouté served with fondant potato and seasonal vegetables (vegetarian option available on request), lemon tart with a fresh berry compote and clotted cream, and sherry truffle petit fours.

Ruth Evans, Community Fundraising Manager for Guide Dogs Cymru, said:

“This is a rare opportunity to switch off your senses, tuck into some fine food and support a charity that is changing the lives of people right here in Swansea.”

Places are limited and tickets will be in demand, so book your place now! Contact Ruth Evans on 07788 410981 or email [email protected]

#GowerCollegeSwansea #GuideDogsCymru #VanillaPod

Guide Dogs bring ‘Pat and Chat’ to the Quadrant this week

Shoppers in Swansea city centre will have the chance to meet some of Wales’ most remarkable working dogs when Guide Dogs Cymru sets up stall in the Quadrant Shopping Centre this Thursday and Friday (22–23 August).

From 10am to 4pm on both days, volunteers will be selling the charity’s latest merchandise and inviting visitors to stop for a “Pat and Chat” with guide dogs and puppies in training.

Among those attending will be Izzy James and her labradoodle Souly, who are marking two years as a qualified guide dog partnership. “Souly changed my life and pulled me out of depression,” said Izzy. “He’s given me confidence I never had, and the independence to go places I’d never been before. During the heatwave I had to go back to using a long cane, and it made me realise just how much easier he makes it for me to get around – not to mention how fast we walk.”

The Quadrant has been a long‑time supporter of Guide Dogs Cymru, with shoppers raising more than £30,000 for the charity since 2013. The centre even named a black Labrador puppy, Kaypea, who went on to qualify as a working guide dog in Gwent.

Ruth Evans, community fundraising development manager for Guide Dogs, said: “There is always great interest from shoppers in the Quadrant Centre and some have even joined us as volunteers. Swansea has a thriving and enthusiastic group of fundraisers, and our dogs love the attention.”

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