100 years ago, soldiers returned from World War I blinded by the effects of mustard gas or shrapnel. Kent Association for the Blind was set up to support these war wounded soldiers - helping them to rehabilitate back into society.  Today our work is needed more so than ever.  Only 4% of people who are registered sight impaired are completely blind, so we help people make the most of the sight they have.  We can help with mobility training and advice on gadgets to make the simplest of tasks seems less difficult.

I befriend service users at the Canterbury KAB Audiobook Group and an art group ‘Sensing Culture’.  The groups meet monthly at The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge and I believe they, along with other KAB groups and clubs, are vital in giving our service users a sense of belonging, an increased sense of confidence and self-esteem, and a space where they can gain support from others with sight impairments.

During 2020 KAB are celebrating their centenary.  As a KAB100 Ambassador one of my three pledges is to attempt to ride 100km on a resistance bike at Kings Recreation Centre.  I love sport and so doing something I enjoy for a cause close to my heart will be a privilege.

From the week of 10 February 2020 I will endeavour to cycle 100km at the gym over a long period of time and aim to complete this by the start of December 2020.  I am physically disabled, my mobility and energy levels are limited.  Furthermore I only started exercising in the gym in Autumn 2019.  So my gym instructor agrees that completing the distance over a period of time, allowing for times when I may be unwell, will be a real personal challenge for me.

Please support me if you can.

£10 could pay for a befriender to support a sight impaired person in their home and local community.

I will be posting updates about my progress and as part of another of my pledges I will be sharing 100 facts about the history of KAB, eye conditions and eye health, and the services KAB provide.

Thank you for supporting KAB.