In July 2009, DAB member Keith Fearn will attempt to climb the highest mountain in the British Isles, the mighty Ben Nevis. Keith and his team will trek to the summit at the lofty height of 1,344 metres high, taking a gruelling 5 hours each way. 

Keith has been a member of Derbyshire Association for the Blind (DAB) for many years.  When he was a young lad in the nineteen forties, still at school, he can remember the home teacher for the blind, a Mrs Jones from county offices. At that time Keith was based in Derby, with Mrs Jones visiting him when he was on holiday from Sheffield Royal Blind School. In those days’s he would receive half a pound of tea in a tin caddy at Christmas, I wonder how many people can remember so far back?

In the seventies social services were implemented and every Christmas blind and partially sighted people would receive £2 and an annual visit from the social worker. Times have changed since then and now it is up to the person to contact the social services if they need help.

Keith attended the DAB AGM last September and was very impressed with the service that allowed members outside of Derby to attend the meeting. Keith and his friend William were picked up from Alfreton and enjoyed the workshop in the morning and the staff presentations in the afternoon. It goes with out saying, how valuable DAB is today, and important it is, that we support DAB in what ever way we can.

Since Keith had his first guide dog in 1989, both he and his friends have trod thousands of miles, and raised many thousands of pounds for one charity and another, from guide dogs, to the rainbow trust, cancer research, and many more.  We are very privileged that Keith and his friends have chosen DAB for their fundraising activity this year.  Keith and his friends are going to attempt to climb Ben Nevis on July the 4^th, there will be group of ten climbers, two of them are totally blind, and all the money raised will be donated to DAB.

As DAB is growing in size, and the demands are ever increasing, I hope that you and your family and friends, will support this tremendous challenge. Please return the form and any monies to DAB.

I would like to thank you in anticipation.