Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

2024 marks 15 years since I started fund raising for visually impaired charities and I am back in the saddle again, literally!

My previous two challenges supported independent mobility and future research programmes. Organising a Ball in 2009 raised money for Guide Dogs, namely Alfi and Tilly who passed their training in guiding visually impaired owners. A few years later in 2015, I climbed Snowdon to raise money for Retina UK for research funding into inherited eye diseases.

On August 3rd 2024, I am on the rear (I can hear the sighs of relief) of a manual tandem, kindly loaned and steered from the front end by Paul Chapman-Hatchett, and supported by 6 out-riders on a variety of manual and e-bikes (very hilly terrain) to face the challenge of cycling 65 miles around the island over 2 days.

This time I would like to raise money for Sensory Services at Sight for Surrey, in particular to support their technical training, equipment and assistance which they offer to facilitate visually impaired people to enter, or even re-enter employment. A few years ago I received long cane training from Sight for Surrey as part of my own sight journey, and they are a wonderful organisation.

Do visit their website www.sightforsurrey.org.uk, and hear from their Patron, Dame Judi Dench.

For this challenge, I have trialled 3 rides on the tandem, with additional preparation on an exercise bike in the garden. It will be hilly cycle ride with great views, and hopefully a brisk wind behind us, for a good cause.

Any donations will be much appreciated.

Ali x