Sight Towards the Summit

This May, I’ll be taking on an incredible challenge to raise funds for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB): climbing the highest mountains across the UK and Ireland. This journey is deeply personal to me, but it’s also about the countless families and individuals who face the challenges of sight loss every day.

Over three weekends, I along with family and close friends will climb:

•First Weekend in May: The Three Peaks Challenge in Scotland, England, and Wales — Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon.

•Second Weekend in May: The Three highest Peaks of Munster, Connacht and Leinster in Ireland — Carrauntoohil, Mweelrea, and Lugnaquilla.

•Third Weekend in May: The Mourne Mountains 7/7s Challenge in Ulster Northern Ireland — a beautiful hike summiting seven peaks in a single day.

Sight loss can affect anyone, at any stage of life. Over 2 million people in the UK live with sight loss and every day, 250 people in the UK start to lose their sight. These numbers represent real lives — individuals and families adapting to a world that suddenly feels unfamiliar.

For me, living with Stargardt Disease — a condition that affects my central vision — has brought its own challenges, from navigating daily life to finding my place in the workplace. But I’ve also discovered the incredible support the RNIB offers to people like me, and to the families who support us.

The RNIB has been a guide through moments of doubt and uncertainty. Their helpline provided advice about workplace accommodations and public transport entitlements when I needed it most. Their Employment Advisors helped me see my strengths, rebuild my confidence, and find a way forward. Their campaigns, like “See the Person, Not the Sight Loss,” reminded me that my condition doesn’t define me — it’s just one part of my story.

It’s not just individuals who need support, sight loss impacts families, too. The RNIB offers resources and guidance to help loved ones understand and adapt, ensuring that no one feels alone. They help families navigate the emotional and practical aspects of sight loss, fostering understanding and resilience.

This challenge isn’t just about climbing mountains; it’s about breaking down barriers. Every donation will fund the RNIB’s vital services, from their helpline to their Eye Care Liaison Officers who provide immediate support to people newly diagnosed with sight loss and their families.

How You Can Help:

➡️ Donate to the JustGiving page

➡️ Share the page to spread the word

➡️ Learn more about RNIB: www.rnib.org.uk

Together, we can create a world where everyone sees the person, not the sight loss. Thank you for your support — it means the world to me!