GORLESTON BLINDFOLD WALK RAISES £8,000 FOR SIGHT LOSS CHARITY

Great Yarmouth mayor Cllr Malcolm Bird was among those taking up the challenge to take a ‘blind’ walk along Gorleston prom – as, he stepped out wearing a blindfold to experience what life is like for those living with sight loss.

The event was organised by the Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind to raise awareness of the issues involved in negotiating public spaces with limited vision.

Cllr Bird was the first to take the challenge, guided by trained NNAB guide Diane Stewart – with members of public and passers-by then invited to have a go for themselves.

Meanwhile NNAB head of fundraising and former Norwich City star Jeremy Goss and NNAB trustee Tim Hirst set off on a sponsored blindfold 12 mile from Gorleston to Corton and back, to raise money for the charity.  The pair were guided by NNAB fundraiser Hollie Gooda and Tim’s wife Rachel.

With generous sponsorship from Leathes Prior solicitors, Gorleston’s Pier Hotel, Langley School and the Gorleston branch of Barclays Bank, and donations on the day, the pair raised in excess of £8,000 on the walk, which they completed in under five hours.

“Those of us blessed with good sight take simple things like walking along the prom for granted, and it’s not until you put on a blindfold that you realise just how challenging it can be,” said Jeremy Goss.

“We are extremely grateful to Cllr Bird for coming and taking part in the event, to the event sponsors, and to everyone who supported our charity walk and who helped on the day.”