A Walk on the Blind Side

Every year since 2013, the Rotary Club of Billericay has supported ORBIS with a “Blindfold” walk by our president.  This year it was President Peter's turn. But it wasn’t a normal year.  Thanks to everyone who sponsored me, we raised £365 plus £88.75 Gift Aid, Total £453.75.

When and where?

With Covid rampant, how could we do the traditional walk in safety and within Government regulations.  Not on the High Street, our traditional route, because of the risk of exposure to passers-by and of infection.  Who would guide our walker if more than one household in contact was not allowed, and numbers were limited to a maximum of six outside?

Solution – Our daughter and family were still stranded in the UK, unable to get back to China and living with us.  That solved the household problem!  But, if not in the High Street, where?  Why not Billericay’s Lake Meadows park? Two circuits guided by son-in-law Richard.

Decided.  Then more complications as England was to go into “lockdown” on November 5. It had to be before then. Could we do it? To misquote Bob the Builder:   Yes we could!

Complete Trust

Wednesday November 4. Blue skies, no rain and bright sunshine.  Still a tad cold, but an excuse for some healthy exercise. 

At approximately 1 pm, as a family we assembled at the gates of Lake Meadows. On with the blindfold, and off for the first circuit round the Lake, aided by daughter Helen and then son-in-law Richard, at times steadied by baby Barnaby in his pushchair. 

What a strange sensation, I had become accustomed to the previous route, and when doing it myself the principal problem being crossing roads and avoiding traffic, with my fate firmly in the hands of my guides, but securely and safely led around the obstacles and avoiding bumping into people.

This year was so different.  No roads to cross.  No traffic.  But the park was full of people taking advantage of the weather to get in their last exercise before lock-down.  The issues this time were the unfamiliar ground and the numbers of people out and about.

I couldn’t see a thing. I could hear people all around and it was so strange not knowing how close they were and if they were moving away, or towards me - avoidance action needed!

No Swimming!

I began to appreciate more and more what how difficult it must be for those with reduced sight and how much they have to trust their guides, human or canine.  Just over one kilometre round the lake, then over to the swimming pool. 

Not for a swim!  For a circuit round that area of the park to make a total of well over a mile.  Overall, just under 50 minutes or so without sight, but, as I have said, an incredible insight into what it must be like to live without sight.  If ORBIS can remedy this condition for its patients, I can “see” what a great job it does.