By Isle of Wight Observer
A blind Island veteran has organised a fund-raising walk with a difference to raise money for Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-service men and women, which helped turn his life around after sight loss.
Ian Summers, 44, from Shanklin, has organised the ‘Blindfolded Bimble’ on June 9 to support Blind Veterans UK’s Armed Forces Month campaign.
Ian is challenging walkers to pair up, and take it in turns to complete 3km (1.8 miles) wearing a blindfold while guided by their partner for the outward or return leg of the walk between Shanklin and Sandown.
Among those joining him will be his two daughters, aged nine and 13. Ian said: “I think those taking part will be surprised how vulnerable they feel when they put on their blindfolds and start walking. They will have to really trust their partner to warn them of obstacles and changes in gradient and surface type.
“I’m sure they’ll all be very glad to remove their blindfolds and will remember that for blind veterans like me that isn’t an option.”
In 2017, Ian lost his sight after he choked at home while eating dinner with his family. He explained: “My mobility and speech were severely affected; I had to learn to talk and walk again. I have regained my speech and my mobility is still steadily improving but my sight will never return.”
As the walk takes place just days after the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Ian is asking each pair to raise a minimum of £80 for Blind Veterans UK.
If you would like to join Ian for the ‘Blindfolded Bimble’, please email fundraising@blindveterans.org.uk.
