Paws on the Path

👋 Hi! I’m Angela Blackwell.

In 2021, I became blind due to retinitis pigmentosa. At the time, I never imagined I’d be able to hike a four-day trail again. But life has a way of surprising us. In February 2026, with the help of my incredible guide dog, Jaydee, I will be taking on the breathtaking Pondo Trail which traverses 70 km of pristine coastline.

Jaydee isn’t just my guide - she’s the real hero of this story. She will be the first guide dog to complete the Pondo Trail, and together with a group of family and friends, we’ll be walking to raise both awareness and funds for the South African Guide-Dogs Association.

Our goal is big but powerful: R500,000 towards the raising and training of guide dogs. This is my way of giving back for the extraordinary independence and companionship Jaydee has given me, while paying it forward so that others can experience the same life-changing gift.

I’m not an extreme athlete - just a regular midlife mum (on a career break) with a lot of determination, and a spirited young gui...