LOCAL people are being urged to step into the unknown and Walk the Blindfold Mile which is coming to Redditch this June.
Organised by Sight Concern Worcestershire, the county’s charity which helps blind and partially sighted people lead independent and fulfilling lives, it arrives in the town centre on Saturday morning, June 8.
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.
The walk starts St Stephen’s Church, taking in HoW College, the Palace Theatre, 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, chair of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, did this recently, saying: “Sharon Smith, chief executive of the Chamber, was my sighted guide.
“She helped me make a reasonable job of it. Without her I wouldn’t have had a clue. Just shows you that, with the right support, anything is possible.
“I am asking all companies and their staff in Redditch to join me and take part in this memorable event.
“Apart from raising valuable funds for the charity it gives first hand experience of how to guide someone who is visually impaired – 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 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 can offer advice and information and one to one support.
“I also run a weekly support group in Matchborough West. You can contact me on 07505 766850 or email [email protected].”
