From tarantulas to muddy waters – watch as Faye Winter fundraises for Guide Dogs

Love Island star Faye Winter has had “the most adventurous week of her life” – by undertaking a series of intense challenges to raise money for charity.

The TV personality attempted a mud-filled assault course “encouraged” by a former SAS soldier, was covered in snakes and creepy-crawlies, went laser clay shooting, and had to cook under the watchful eye of a Michelin-starred chef – all to raise vital funds for Guide Dogs.

Guide Dogs campaign star Faye volunteered as a fosterer for guide dogs six years ago, and provided a home for a total of six dogs in training, before finding fame on Love Island in 2021.

Since then, she has put her celebrity status to good use by tirelessly raising money and support for the charity. Speaking after the challenges, Faye said: “It's not something I'd like to do every week.”

Faye screamed “Oh my God” as she hurtled down a slide into a two-foot-deep pool of stinking mud, as she was put through her paces at the Bear Trail in Devon by former special forces commando, Ollie Ollerton, star of TV’s SAS: Who Dares Wins.

With 30 obstacles and unlimited muddy water to tackle, Faye scrambled over the bear nets, zoomed down the zip wire, did press-ups in the mud, and was pushed and pulled over bars and through a wall of tyres.

Unsurprisingly, she lost a tug-of-war with Ollie, and went head over heels back into the mud. As she howled her way through a swamp, Ollie bellowed: “You’re doing good – minus the screaming, you are doing good.”

Speaking after the challenge, Ollie said: “Faye has really risen to the challenge for a great cause. She was able to tough it out, and was able to stand up and be counted when it mattered.

“As a result, the money she raised will help tackle the loneliness and isolation caused by sight loss.”

Faye then undertook a laser clay shooting exercise at Devon Laser Clays, and hit the target on her first – lucky – shot.

The reality TV show finalist also felt the heat of working in the kitchen during the same week, under double Michelin star chef Michael Caines MBE, at Lympstone Manor in Exmouth, Devon, where she produced three dishes – including an appetiser of Lyme Bay scallop, with celeriac and seaweed purée, and seaweed beurre blanc.

Later, Faye endured a Creepy Crawly Experience at Animals2U South West, in Devon.

She whimpered as a tarantula called Miss Skinny Legs crawled across her hands, and asked: “Can it smell fear?” when Prince the Royal Python was draped around her neck. She also handled Blue the gecko, and Neville the bearded dragon.

Explaining her passion behind the challenging mission, Faye said: “Sight loss can affect any person at any stage of life, and that’s why this October I am doing a number of challenges to support guide dogs and those with sight loss.

“Your challenges don’t need to be as crazy as mine. All you guys need to do is get involved with friends, family, or work colleagues. You can even set up a bake sale or a dog walk – absolutely anything goes.”

Lynette Proctor, community fundraising officer at Guide Dogs, and guide dog owner, said: “For this year’s Guide Dog ’s Appeal, we’re asking all our supporters, like Faye, to get together and raise funds to help tackle the loneliness and isolation caused by sight loss.

“Faye’s bravery, and ability to turn her hand to the challenges at hand, is amazing. Over the course of two days, she was willing to put herself outside her comfort zone to help others.

“Her fundraising efforts will have a real impact on the lives of people with sight loss, and we hope Faye inspires as many people as possible to get involved.”

To help support Faye's efforts to raise money for Guide Dogs, visit here.

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