Ovenu

Cambridge businessman takes inspiration from Guide Dogs tale

20/12/2021

Mike Korniotis of oven valeting service Ovenu Cambridge has received a valuable insight into the vital work conducted by the Guide Dogs as part of its Name a Puppy scheme.

A former chartered accountant and production manager, Mike has successfully built the business up over 18 years and is one of more than 100 Ovenu franchisees across the UK funding Labrador pup Selsey as she trains to become a fully qualified guide dog. Now 12 months old, the charity reports that she is “progressing well”.

During Ovenu’s annual conference, Mike was further inspired by guest speaker George Upfield, who was accompanied by his guide dog Yoko. George was left severely visually impaired after suffering a brain tumour as a child.

George, who began volunteering with the Guide Dogs aged 16, later began work with the charity as an administrator, and was recently appointed an operations support coordinator. He described the many aspects of the charity’s work and thanked everyone for their generous donations and puppy sponsorship.

Mike, from Cambridge, said: “George’s talk was inspirational and really brought home how important it is to sponsor the training of puppies like Selsey. Guide Dogs offer life-changing independence and freedom to people living with sight loss. However, it’s more than just mobility, because the companionship of a guide dog also brings positive psychological and social effects.”

Rik Hellewell, the founder and managing director of the Ovenu franchise, said: “George’s personal story was very moving, and he inspired us all to continue to support Guide Dogs’ valuable work.”

Jo Berry, the charity’s business development manager, said: “We would like to thank everyone at Ovenu for their continued support of Guide Dogs, without the help of companies like Ovenu we would not be able to provide our life changing services to people living with sight loss.”

As well as the university city, Ovenu Cambridge also covers Ely, Newmarket, Saffron Walden, Newport, Royston, and surrounding villages. It was recently featured by Three Best Rated.

For a free quote call Mike on 01223 847455, email cambridge@ovenu.co.uk or visit https://www.ovenu.co.uk/oven_cleaning/cambridge/

Ovenu has set up a Just Giving page that allows clients to make further donations to Guide Dogs at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ovenuforguidedogs

ENDS

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For further information contact Andrew Douglas 01325 363436

Photo caption: Mike Korniotis of Ovenu Cambridge with guide dog Yoko

Editors’ Notes:

Ovenu

Ovenu is the leading UK and international domestic oven cleaning and valeting specialist. All cleaning products used by Ovenu are environmentally friendly, bio-degradable and conform to the latest government REACH regulations. Ovenu’s Carbon Remover is also approved by the Vitreous Enamel Association. The Ovenu valeting process involves dismantling key components of an oven and placing them into design-registered equipment, which uses non-caustic, non-toxic and biodegradable products to clean the oven parts. Ovenu is a full member of the Approved Franchise Association (AFA.)

Guide Dogs

It costs over £55,000 to train and support a guide dog partnership. It relies on donations to continue its life-changing work. Every pound raised makes a difference to the lives of people in the UK living with sight loss.

Visit www.guidedogs.org.uk to find out more.

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Images

Mike Korniotis of Ovenu Cambridge with guide dog Yoko
Mike Korniotis of Ovenu Cambridge with guide dog Yoko
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Mike Korniotis of Ovenu Cambridge with guide dog Yoko
Mike Korniotis of Ovenu Cambridge with guide dog Yoko
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