CHAIRMAN of Swindon Guide Dogs Alan Fletcher has been crowned an inspiration for the work he has done in memory of his beloved pooch.

The 66-year-old from Stratton has been nominated in the category Most Inspirational Dog Owner in the 2014 Guide Dogs of the Year Award.

He is now looking forward to the special ceremony at the Hilton in Park Lane, London, in December.

“It is a tremendous honour,” said Alan.

“I have no idea who nominated me but apparently it goes before a small committee and I was one of four nominations.

“I’m just overwhelmed – it is such an honour.

“It’s really nice to be recognised, but it isn’t really all about me. There are so many other people who have worked so hard.”

In August last year Alan established an appeal in memory of his guide dog Joy, who died suddenly after vets found she had an inoperable intestinal tumour.

He hoped to raise £20,000 to pay for the training of four new guide dog puppies, but to date has more than doubled that initial target.

“It’s been amazing. I am over the moon we’ve managed to raise so much and that people are still giving to the appeal.

“We’ve now raised £43,000, all for Joy.

“It’s about Joy and all the people she touched and supported.”

Alan insisted it actually was Joy herself who had inspired the donations.

He said: “It’s not really about me. I think it’s really about Joy and what she did. She’s the real inspiration. I think it’s Joy who inspired everybody.

“So many people knew her and met her, because we went to so many events around the town.

“I think a lot of people remember her.”

Alan added: “We were devastated when she died and I think a lot of other people were too. She gave me my life back and my mobility and my independence.

“Before her I had a cane, and it’s not the same as having a warm four-legged friend walking beside you. You can’t talk to a cane like you can to a guide dog.”

Alan is looking forward to going to the ceremony in London later this year.

“I am excited,” he said. “It is so nice to be recognised in this way.”

So far, the 4Joy appeal has paid for the initial training of six new puppies, who have been named Joy, Fletcher, Elsie, Winnie, Craven and Charity.

Apart from Craven, who has not yet been placed with a puppy walker, all are being puppy-walked in the Swindon area.

The public has three weeks to support Alan’s nomination when voting opens on September 8.

To cast your vote, visit creative.dailymail.co.uk/guidedogs