OUR eyesight is so precious, the thought of losing it strikes fear into the hearts of most people.
However in the UK today, including in Redditch, thousands of people are coping with partial or total sight loss.
Now to experience just a little part of what they go through, Sight Concern Worcestershire is giving people the opportunity to literally step into the unknown and Walk the Blindfold Mile Redditch this coming Saturday, June 8.
Sight Concern Worcestershire is the county’s charity which helps blind and partially sighted people lead independent and fulfilling lives.
Walk the Blindfold Mile challenges people to go out for a mile along a designated route, walking in pairs – one blindfolded, one sighted – with the chance to swap over en route.
And those taking part include Ross Crawford, editor of the Redditch Standard.
The walk starts at St Stephen’s Church, taking in HoW College, the Palace Theatre, the library and the Kingfisher Centre. There will be a number of challenges to complete along the way, including being asked to decorate a gingerbread man blindfold.
Jim McBride, of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, completed the Blindfold Mile recently and said: “Apart from raising valuable funds for the charity, it gives first-hand experience of how to guide someone who is visually impaired –it gives invaluable life skills for all of us.”
Sight Concern is seeking 200 people to take part in pairs.
A booking fee applies, and everyone is asked to raise as much sponsorship as possible.
On the day participants will be given training on how to guide their blindfolded partner and they will be able to swap over during the walk.
For more information or to register, visit the website at www.sightconcern.co.uk/blindfoldmile or ring 01905 332902 or email [email protected].
Michelle Coyle, from Sight Concern in Redditch, said: “If anyone in the Redditch area would like some advice and support relating to sight loss, please get in touch.
“I also run a weekly support group in Matchborough West. You can contact me on 07505 766850 or email [email protected].”
