Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

When I lost my sight in a firework accident over 20 years ago I had no idea that visually impaired people could use computers. However, thanks to some personal contacts and the British Computer Association of the Blind I was introduced to the assistive technology which makes computers accessible to visually impaired people.  Over the last 20 years being able to use a computer has provided me with a degree of independence, has allowed me to carry on working and has provided me with a lot of enjoyment.

In the 21st century, many blind and partially sighted people do not use computers and have little or no idea of the benefits of information and computer technology.  This is an issue, which because of my personal experience is why I wish to support the British Computer Association of the Blind EyeT4All project.

The project involves running awareness days across the whole of the UK to provide a "hands-on" experience of the benefits of computing to blind and partially sighted people near to where they live. The days are real fun and everybody succeeds in completing the tasks. They enjoy the days and discover technology solutions which can help them live happier and more fulfilled lives. Days are hosted by a local group such as a voluntary society for the blind, a local library, care home, or a group of interested blind and partially sighted people.

While it costs about £600 to run an EyeT4All awareness day they are provided free by BCAB to those attending.  BCAB provides an experienced trainer and a complete set of computers linked to the internet.  This means that awareness days can be run anywhere, from a local society for the blind in Cornwall to a local church hall in Wick.

Over the next 4 years BCAB propose to provide enough EyeT4All days for over 4000 people to gain hands on experience in using information technology to see how it can improve their lives.

To help raise money for this project Derek Naysmith will walk the 98 mile Inn Way in the Lake District. As Derek is totally blind he will be assisted by two sighted guides, Sandy Robertson and Bob Halliday.  The circular route starts from Ambleside on the 13th September and goes via Rosthwaite, Braithwaite, Buttermere, Eskdale, Broughton on Furness and Coniston before returning to Ambleside on the 19th September.

Several years ago Bob Goodwin carried out a sponsored pub crawl via the Circle line in London.  This is a slightly more severe pub ‘walk’ as the route is not called the Inn Way for nothing!

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: British Computer Association Of The Blind gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!