MORE than 100 people walked a mile blindfolded through the streets of Worcester to better understand what it feels like to suffer sight loss.

The first ever Walk the Blindfold Mile through Worcester city centre on Saturday is expected to raise thousands of pounds for Sight Concern Worcestershire.

The number of entries surpassed expectation with 110 people taking part. They departed Sight Concern at the Bradbury Centre in Sansome Walk in pairs, swapping over at three stations so each had an experience of what it was like to negotiate the route without being able to see and to be the sighted guide,

holding the arm of their blindfolded partner and warning them of hazards ahead.

People of all ages and from all walks of life took part in the fundraiser, sponsored by Lesk Engineers and Worcester Round Table, including Worcester’s MP Robin Walker, Rev Jo Musson of St George’s Church in Barbourne and ophthalmology nurses from Worcestershire Royal Hospital who wanted to better understand what life was like for some of their patients.

Hannah Kent, aged 10, and friend Daisy Dillon, also 10, of the 7th Worcester Scout Group took part because they have a friend with sight loss.

Kevin Davis, aged 36, and Matthew Adams, 32, of Worcester-based DJD Architects were paired in the challenge.

Mr Davis described it as ‘a great cause’ and said he had never done anything like it before.

Husband and wife team Mike and Judith Wilson of Diglis, Worcester, both aged 56, raised £180 in sponsorship. Both described themselves as ‘slightly apprehensive’ before the walk began.

Mr Wilson said: “My wife isn’t very good with left and right so if you don’t see me again you know whose fault it is.”

Nurses and staff from the ophthalmology team at Worcestershire Royal Hospital took part in the walk including Jacqui Bryant, Mandy Cairns, Laura-Jayne Smith, Samantha Wheal, Yvonne Bryan, Sarah Reed, Amy Russell, Sinead Knowles, Janet Grilliard and Carolyn Hoyle, raising £220 between them.

Laura Jayne-Smith said: "We have done it so we can understand how our patients feel and give back to the patients, knowing what they go through. A lot of the patients have been really supportive."

Jon Parsons, chairman of the trustees of Sight Concern, said: "I am proud that this event has captured so many people's imagination and I am proud that this is our day to raise money and awareness."

Volunteer Mike Jackson warned participants it would be a curious and disconcerting experience and he said when he attempted it he ended up with foliage in his face.

He told the people involved: "You're so brave, not running for the exit. I hope you enjoy and are enriched by the experience."

Elizabeth Baio, vice-chairman of the trustees of the charity, has had no sight after developing Retinitis Pigmentosa at a young age. She is supported by her guide dog, Yazmin.

Mrs Baio, aged 68, of St John's, Worcester, said: "I think this is absolutely amazing. I never thought so many people would come. It's fantastic and a very hard thing to do."

She said she was grateful to all those who had given up their Saturday morning to take part to support the charity which assists people who are blind or partially sighted lead full and independent lives.

Mrs Baio said: "I think the charity makes a huge difference otherwise people think they're the only one, that they're isolated. It's easy to to think you can't do anything.

"Most people aren't born with sight loss. Most people lose it. Whatever stage you lose it, you lose your confidence. You can get some of that back even if the sight doesn't come back."

Ryan Hughes, aged 19, of Bransford, near Worcester completed the walk with 24-year-old Ina Koski of Worcester.

Mr Hughes said his other senses kicked in when he wore the blindfold, including his hearing and sense of smell which seemed to become more acute. Challenges they navigated included the stairs at the Hive, the city's market and the hustle and bustle of the High Street.

He said: "It was a really difficult challenge, having your sight and then having it taken away. It's very difficult to adapt to that situation."

Other challenges including a white cane kerb challenge, walking in a straight line while blindfolded and sensory tests including a colour sort using technology.