McFly in call for cool youngsters to join in Shades Day

YOUNGSTERS in West Somerset are being encouraged by the hugely successful British band McFly to put on their sunglasses on Friday, June 29, and join them in supporting Guide Dogs’ Shades Day - the coolest fund-raising day of the year.
The band - Danny, Dougie, Tom, and Harry - recently took time out from promoting their new album ‘Motion In The Ocean – Tour Edition’, to put on their favourite sunglasses and chat about their support of Shades Day.
They also posed for a few photos with their four cute namesake guide dog puppies, whose progress they are following until they are qualified guide dogs.
McFly made an unannounced visit to Minehead in January, when they played two gigs especially for students at the West Somerset Community College after fan Amy Prole, aged 15, won a competition on BBC Radio 1.
Tom said: “One of the best things about the summer is being able to put on my shades and spend the day out in the sun having a laugh with my friends.
“Wearing sunglasses is really important as it helps to protect your eyes against harmful UV rays from the sun.
“So make sure you are looking cool on Shades Day in support Guide Dogs… we will be.”
McFly will be joining thousands of people all over the UK who will be putting on their sunglasses and helping to do two things:

• Increase awareness of the need for everybody to protect their eyes when outside during the day, by wearing their sunglasses
• Raise money to help Guide Dogs breed, train, and support the 4,600 guide dogs in the UK who bring vital independence and freedom to their visually impaired owners.

Research has shown that spending five or more hours outside every day in the summer during teens and early adult years increases the risk of long-term damage to the eyes.
Putting on sunglasses, a visor, or a hat helps to protect from harmful UV (ultraviolet) sunlight which can cause long-term eye damage.
Guide Dogs suggests that if people are outside during the day and the light is so bright that they have to squint or turn their head away from the sun, then they need to wear sunglasses - the best protection comes from those with yellow or amber lenses and have the CE mark.
McFly are supporting Shades Day, as well as following the training progress of their namesake puppies, as part of their role as ‘Guiding Stars’ for the charity.
As ‘Guiding Stars’, the band members will help the charity to educate young people about the important work of guide dogs.
For further information about Shades Day and how to become involved, visit www.shadesday.org.uk.
The latest news on McFly can be checked out online at http://www.mcflyofficial.com/.

• Our photograph shows (left to right) Dougie, Danny, Tom, and Harry with their namesake puppies. Photo submitted.