Most of us take our senses for granted.

I am lucky enough to have three friends who are blind, every time I see them I am humbled by their positivity and their ability to thrive and succeed in a fast paced world, and never once have I witnessed a moment of self pity from any of them.

JOHN: Who I have known for almost 30 years and worked with for 13 years. John lost his sight at age13, yet went on to be an entrepreneur, building a successful manufacturing business, providing employment for many and being awarded an MBE for services to industry.

LOUISE: who has been blind all her life having being given oxygen at birth, which damaged her retinas. Louise astounds me with her positive attitude and her ability to travel solo from Brighton up North by train, changing stations in London, and her ability to use a smart phone.

MARTIN: who is married to Louise and who handles a massive case load as a social worker for Salford Borough Council supporting people with brain injuries.

All three of my friends have been given the tools to function in todays world despite not having the gift of sight. All three of my friends have been helped by Henshaws teaching facility. 

Louise contacted me recently reminding me that I once said if she ever wanted to undertake a challenge I would help, I don’t actually remember making this promise, but admitted that it is typical of me to say something like that. Her initial suggestion was the Yorkshire Three Peak challenge, and apart from me being an ‘old bird’ quite a lot of the funds raised goes to the organisers so I countered an alternative suggestion to climb Snowdon.  In climbing Snowdon independently, any sponsorship we receive will go directly to our chosen charity - which is Henshaws.

In being Louise’s guide I thought it might be a good idea to try to raise some funds myself to help boost the money for such a worthy cause.

I know everyone is probably weary of being asked to support good causes, if you are interested in sponsoring me a couple of pounds I would be very grateful.

Thanks for reading!

Cheryl