BLIND AND SIGHTED BROADS WALKERS RAISE £4,755 FOR NORFOLK’S SIGHT LOSS CHARITY

A team of 11 charity staff, volunteers and blind people have raised over £4,700 for Norfolk’s sight loss charity after tackling the gruelling Broads Walk Challenge last weekend.

The Vision Norfolk fundraisers tackled 25km, 50km and 90km walks around the Broadland area – a particular challenge over rough terrain for those taking part who were visually-impaired.

Among the participants was Vision Norfolk Great Yarmouth hub co-ordinator Ed Bates, who has been blind since birth, who successfully completed the 50km challenge with his guide Matt Lawley, who has recently started volunteering for the charity, and for whom this was his first undertaking.

Also taking part was blind Vision Norfolk activities co-ordinator Mark Smith, who tackled the 25km challenge with guide Stuart Kenrick, with a combination of running and walking.

A third blind participant was 51 year-old Matthew Shaw, who has lived at the charity’s Hammond Court supported housing scheme in Norwich for six years.  He completed the 25km challenge, guided by Vision Norfolk chief executive Gina Dormer.

“It was one of the hottest days of the year, which added to the challenge,” said Mrs Dormer.  “And whilst it was a big enough undertaking for those of us who are fully-sighted, walking such a distance on rough terrain when you can’t see tree roots, uneven ground or even where the riverbank is, is a massive challenge.”

The team has currently raised £4,755 for the charity.  Anyone who would like to donate can still do so at www.justgiving.com/campaign/broadswalkchallenge.