A BERKSHIRE resident is set to undertake a coastline challenge in aid of a sight loss charity based in Reading.
Chris Owen, known as the Blind Man with a Backpack for his work on a blog with the same name, is now set to walk the length of the Pembrokeshire coastline to raise funds for Berkshire Vision.
During the course of the fundraiser, Mr Owen aims to cover more than 250km within the space of seven days.
He’ll be joined by long-time friend Dominic, who will serve as his designated guide and keep Mr Owen safe during the course of the challenge.
It follows a diagnosis of Cone Dystrophy in 2018, a rare hereditary form of macular degeneration, which led Mr Owen to being registered as blind in late 2021.
It caused him to face a number of challenges, including relying on audio description for TV and reading, and requiring assistance from railway staff when using public transport.
Despite these challenges, he has continued to enjoy playing football through sessions run by Berkshire Vision, in partnership with Reading Football Club’s Community Trust.
Mr Owen said that he chose Pembrokeshire due to the fond memories it holds for him and his family.
It also provides a sensory environment, where the sounds of seabirds, the feeling of the sand, and the sounds of the sea will help him to keep going.
It’s part of Berkshire Vision’s charity drive, Take on 250, with challenges those taking part to complete 250 of something in aid of the organisation.
Mr Owen has already raised nearly £2,000.
In anticipation of the journey, Chris explained: “Walking as always been a means of relaxation for me but it is now also my primary mode of transport.
“Things have become harder as I lose more sight, and I am now reliant on my white cane mobility aids or the support of family and friends.
“I’ve walked some long distances over the years, but this is my biggest challenge so far as I attempt to walk 250km in a week along the stunning Pembrokeshire coastline”
Laura Mitchell, CEO of Berkshire Vision, said of Chris’ challenge: “We are absolutely thrilled that Chris is taking on such an incredible challenge in aid of Berkshire Vision.
“As a small local charity, we rely on fundraisers like Chris, who raise vital funds to ensure we can be there for anyone in Berkshire needing our support.
“Each and every donation will make a huge difference– we can’t wait to follow his journey”
Chris’ journey commences on Saturday, September 16, at the Ceredigion border, near St Dogmaels in the north, and is set to conclude at St Govan’s Chapel, near Bosherston in the South, on Saturday, September 23.
Mr Owen begins his challenge on Saturday, September 16, and aims to conclude by the following Saturday, September 23.
More information about Chris’ travels are available via: blindmanwithabackpack.uk, and details about how to contribute to the fundraiser can be found at: justgiving.com/page/blindmanwithabackpack
Full details about how Berkshire Vision supports those with sight loss across Berkshire are available via: berkshirevision.org.uk/
