Do not go gentle into that good night, 
Old age should burn and rave at close of day; 
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Dylan Thomas

My next adventure is to complete the Via Francigena; 1200 miles from Canterbury to Rome, unsupported as a Seriously Sight Impaired person starting September 2023.  

Earlier, around Easter 2023, I completed the 485 mile Camino de Santiago, unsupported.

 Last Autumn, I completed 180 miles of the Thames, solo in a kayak from Lechslade to Greenwich very slowly and only needed to be rescued once. The previous summer I walked from John O’Groat to Lands End to raise funds for the RNIB.  My JOGL continued (after a false start) and on 9th December I walked the London Loop (https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/walking/loop-walk); 150 miles of cold, rain and fairy lights again for the RNIB. 

Three years ago I was suddenly diagnosed as Severely Sight Impaired (SSI).  Bit of a shock.  Never thought it would happen to me.  A very traumatic and lonely period.  I’m now stable and, touch wood, my residual sight will remain so.  Still working and fully independent, I intend to remain so and refuse to be institutionalised, despite occasionally bumping into things or falling down holes.

Over the last three years, some wonderful people have helped me come to terms with my disability.  Inspirational people from the blind community have included mountaineers, marathon runners, writers, singers, artists, comedians and tech geeks.  The magnificent achievements of these people gives us all hope.

If you see me paddling along the river in my kayak, feel free to to give me a shout; waving doesn’t work for me 😀.

Every day 250 people are told the life-changing news that they're losing their sight. We want to ensure no one faces this diagnosis alone, and that people with sight loss can live independently in a world with no barriers in the way of the life they want to lead.Our Sight Loss Advisors can provide emotional and practical support to someone who is coming to terms with their sight loss. Your fundraising could help us ensure no call to the RNIB Helpline goes unanswered, and that no one feels alone during this difficult time.