Blind student vows to climb peak for charity

Lee Greatbatch, who was part of the Great Britain Blind Football team at last year’s Beijing Paralympic Games, is hoping to raise £800 for a charity called WYCE and the money will be used to build schools in Gambia. “There is a long way to go in raising this amount of money so if anyone would be kind enough to donate, their contributions would be very much appreciated,”

he said.

Last month, Mr Greatbatch was chosen as the face of the Guide Dogs’ Walking Together campaign, inspiring children to walk to school and get fit. “I was delighted to be asked to be the face of this important campaign,”

he said. “Staying fit and healthy is vital for children and adults and I hope that I can be a positive influence.”

The Walking Together scheme encourages parents, pupils and teachers to think about their journey to and from school, and the many benefits of making it on foot.

Mr Greatbatch was born with glaucoma and completely lost his sight at the age of 10. His life was transformed at the age of 21, when he was partnered with his first guide dog, Raffles.

Through Raffles, Mr Greatbatch has developed the confidence and freedom to live his dreams – and this involves plenty of exercise.

“Without a guide dog I wouldn’t be able to walk the streets with such ease and confidence,” he said.

“But walk I do, which has made me fit and encouraged me to follow my dreams as a footballer, and to enhance my education. If I can do all this without sight, I hope children from across the West Midlands will follow in my footsteps, getting exercise, becoming fit and enhancing their lives.”

Mr Greatbatch, aged 26, who lives in Worcester, is nearing the completion of his degree in sport and exercise science at the University of Worcester.

He is now looking to set up his own consultancy firm offering businesses advice and guidance on disability issues and also doing motivational speaking.

To sponsor him visit justgiving.

com/blindclimb.