Walk the Blindfold Mile Redditch

Chamber member, Sight Concern Worcestershire, is your county charity which supports blind and partially sighted people to lead independent and fulfilling lives. They are bringing their successful Walk the Blindfold Mile to Redditch Town Centre on Saturday 8th June and invite Chamber members to take part.

This event 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 and ends at St Stephen’s Church, taking in the Heart of Worcestershire College, The Palace Theatre, the Library and the Kingfisher Centre. At the recent Chamber Expo, Sharon Smith acted as a sighted guide for Jim McBride, helping him to ice a gingerbread man, to help publicise the challenges that will form part of the event.

Michelle Coyle, the charity’s Advice and Information Officer for the Redditch area said, “This is a fantastic event. Not only will it raise money but will also give people the chance to experience some of the challenges that blind and partially sighted people overcome each day”.

Jenny Gage, Chief Officer at the charity, said, “We’re thrilled to have the backing of supporters Lesk Engineers, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Heart of Worcestershire College and Redditch Lions. It’s a really memorable experience, and you get to learn how to guide someone who is visually impaired”.

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 of the event 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 go to www.sightconcern.co.uk/blindfoldmile or ring 01905 332902 or email p.weir@sightconcern.co.uk.

Michelle Coyle added, “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 M.Coyle@sightconcern.co.uk”.