SIGHT LOSS NO BARRIER TO ADVENTURE AS VISUALLY-IMPAIRED GROUP TAKE ON ‘GO APE’ TREETOP CHALLENGE

A group of visually-impaired people from west Norfolk stepped right out of their comfort zone and reached new heights, as they tackled the Go Ape Treetop Challenge in Thetford Forest.

Eight people with a range of sight impairment braved suspended walkways, ‘Tarzan’ swings, zip wires and rope bridges high up in the forest canopy, as part of the activity programme run by Norfolk’s sight loss charity, The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind.

The group climbed 40 feet up rope ladders to reach the treetop course, described by Go Ape as ‘The Goliath of our high ropes adventures’.

Accompanied by NNAB staff and volunteers, the group completed all five zones of the course, eventually coming back down to earth via a 140 metre zip wire.

“The NNAB’s primary role is to support visually-impaired people live active, independent and fulfilled lives,” said the NNAB’s west Norfolk activities co-ordinator Lynne Dumpleton. 

“Isolation can be an issue when you lose your sight, so the programmes of activities we put on is an important part of what we do. 

“Many visually-impaired people like to be challenged, and tend to think about what they can do, rather than what they can’t.  The Go Ape course took all of us – including the sighted guiders – way out of comfort zone, but it was an exhilarating day which gave everyone a real sense of achievement.”

Case Study – Peter Gyton

69-year-old Peter Gyton from Ringstead was one of those taking on the Go Ape course.  He lost most of his sight suddenly 12 years ago when his optic nerves died.  He now has just 25 per cent vision in one eye, and none in the other eye.

“When you lose your sight, you lose your independence, “ he said.  “Your brain adapts, but you need to gain confidence.  It is really important to stretch yourself and challenge yourself.

“Doing the Go Ape treetop course has been a challenge, but it gives you an incredible buzz, as well as telling you how fit you are!”

Mr Gyton, who worked for the Environment Agency before his sight loss forced him to retire, deliberately chose the most difficult obstacles on the course. 

He takes part in many of the NNAB’s activities, including walking and archery.  At home he keeps chickens and quail, and enjoys making things out of wood.

“I still do what I like doing, it just takes much longer now,” he said.  “Taking on challenges like this is something different, though, and it’s a great confidence-booster.  It is also really sociable to be able to do things like this with other visually-impaired people.”

For more details of the NNAB’s west Norfolk activity programme, contact Lynne Dumpleton at the charity’s King’s Lynn centre on 01553 660808, or visit www.nnab.org.uk/sports.