GORLESTON PUBLIC CHALLENGED TO TAKE BLINDFOLD WALK ALONG THE PROM
People in Gorleston are being challenged to take on a blindfold walk along the prom on Saturday 3rd September – to discover what it is like living with sight loss.
Norfolk’s sight loss charity the Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (NNAB) is mounting the special event to raise awareness of the issues involved in negotiating public spaces with limited vision.
Great Yarmouth mayor Cllr Malcolm Bird will be the first to take the blindfold walk challenge, guided by trained guide Diane Stewart from the NNAB – and then members of the public will be able to have a go themselves.
Meanwhile NNAB head of fundraising and former Norwich City star Jeremy Goss will be undertaking his own blindfold challenge on the same day – a sponsored blindfold half marathon walk from Gorleston to Corton and back, guided by fellow NNAB fundraiser Hollie Gooda.
Jeremy’s walk has already received generous sponsorship from Leathes Prior solicitors, Gorleston’s Pier Hotel, Langley School and Barclays, and with donations on the day he is aiming to raise more than £5,000.
“It is very difficult for those of us blessed with good sight to imagine just how challenging it can be do normal, simple things such as walking along the prom when you suffer from sight loss,” said Mr Goss.
“That is why we are challenging members of the public to take a short walk along Gorleston prom while blindfolded, so that they can understand the difficulties that blind and partially-sighted people face every day.
“We will have qualified guides there to help them and ensure they are safe – but even so it can be a disorienting and surprisingly difficult experience.”
- The Blindfold Walk Challenge will take place outside the pier hotel in Gorleston on Saturday 3rd September from 9.30am until 12 noon. Those wanting to take part in the challenge can just turn up; no prior notice is necessary.
- Jeremy Goss will set off on his 13 mile blindfold walk from the pier hotel at 10am on the same day. He is expected to finish at the same spot around 3pm. Anyone wishing to sponsor Jeremy’s blindfold walk challenge can do so by visiting http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JeremyGoss1.