Every day in the UK, 250 people begin to lose their sight; that's why we are taking part in the Take on 250 challenge.

Our members, supporters, volunteers and staff will be walking, running, cycling or swimming; cake-baking or singing; dancing or knitting; and completing 250 of whatever challenge they decide. (250 minutes or hours, involve 250 steps or laps, 250 repetitions or making 250 items.)

As part of the challenge Berkshire Vision staff will be taking on 'The Big Pedal' and attempting to cycle 250km in one day. We will be in the Oracle shopping centre in Reading on Saturday 14th January pedalling all day on an exercise bike. If you can donate, it will help us to keep our legs moving and to hit our target. Or come and join us on the day and help us reach our target. We'll be outside Next Home between 9am and 6pm and we'll be joined by Commonwealth Gold Medal winning paratriathlete, Katie Crowhurst.

As a small local charity, we rely on fundraising and donations to provide our wide range of services to over 1000 people living with sight loss in Berkshire. People like 14 year old Clara:

Clara's sight loss has been gradual all through her childhood and she was registered severely sight impaired at 12 years old. She felt quite negative about her sight loss and found it difficult to make friends. At school she struggled to recognise people and had to give up PE lessons as they were too difficult to join in with.

Now, through the support of Berkshire Vision , Clara has made lots of new friends and enjoys many activities and sports that she wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity to take part in. She says:

The demand for our support and services has more than doubled over the past 3 years, and while amazing grants and trusts have helped with costs, we need to raise money to keep up with the ever-increasing number of people we are supporting. We want to make sure we can walk alongside every local person living with sight loss, from the tiniest babies to those over 100 years old; whenever they need us.

Whether they are facing loneliness and isolation, don't know anyone else with sight loss who understands what they're facing, are struggling to find work, aren't confident navigating the wide range of assistive technology and resources out there alone, are have difficulty getting out to social events, are experiencing challenges accessing sports adapted for them, or need some help accessing services and benefits. Help us to be there for them. Find out about our services at www.berkshirevision.org.uk