Wirral coastal walk: Blind and partially sighted walkers taking on annual challenge for vision charity

Apr 27 2011 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

ACHING muscles are usually the only obstacle walkers face when completing the Wirral Coastal Walk.

But one small group are taking on the challenge this year without the benefit of even being able to see the road ahead.

The 10 walkers from Wirral Society for the Blind and Partially Sighted will be accompanied by sighted guides throughout the 15-mile route.

They will also be joined by the society’s inspirational chairman, Sue Hadley.

Sue, from Bebington, has always been visually impaired because of an eye condition known as Anaridia and lost her sight fully three years ago after a glaucoma operation.

But she refused to let it stop her living life to the full and over the last few years has completed the Great North Run, the Mersey Tunnel 10k and the London Marathon.

Sue’s guide dog Amber will accompany her for part of the walk.

Lynne Sedgewick, the charity’s development fundraising manager, said: “Our service users are supporting us by forming a team for the Coastal Walk.

“I think it’s a huge achievement. They and Sue are showing everybody what they can do.

“Losing your sight is obviously a life-changing experience. Some people cope with it better than others and that’s where we come in.

“We’ve seen people blossom. They come here and they’ll say “I can’t, I can’t” and then they find out they can.”

Based at Ashville Lodge in Birkenhead, Wirral Society for the Blind and Partially Sighted provides ICT training, specialist equipment, arts and crafts and an audio library as well as advice, friendship and support for those with sight problems.

It receives a limited amount of NHS and National Lottery funding for its outreach programmes but holds summer fairs and other events to boost funds.