Trek will be new horizon for blind walker

Jun 2 2006 By Poppy Brady, Birmingham Mail

ADVENTURER David Carrington-Porter thinks nothing of climbing three mountains in the space of a weekend - despite being totally blind.

The 54-year-old, who has conquered Mount Kilimanjaro, is off on another trek - this time walking 192 miles from one side of Britain's coast to the other.

David, an education and training officer with the Royal National Institute for the Blind in John Bright Street, Birmingham, is planning his coast-to-coast marathon starting at St Bees' head in Cumbria to Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire. He is hoping to raise funds for RNIB, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Rotary and Acorns Children's Hospice.

"I love walking and mountain climbing and have always enjoyed a challenge," said David, from Dorridge, Solihull.

He has a 22-year-old daughter Julia who has been helping to guide her father on montain walks.

"My sighted guides give me a wonderful opportunity to complete my walks," he said. "We've been practising all over Britain for the coast-to-coast walk.

"Last weekend we tackled Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in a weekend."

David was born with cataracts and could see until the age of seven.

Unfortunately, after surgery to remove the cataracts, an infection killed off the optic nerves leaving him totally blind.

Despite having no sight, David enjoys walking, feeling the wind and listening to the sounds of the open countryside.

Anne Overton, community fundraising manager for RNIB West Midlands, said: "David and the other walkers doing this trip are a marvellous group of people dedicated to doing this special walk.

"It has taken an enormous amount of detailed planning including booking campsite and equipment."

Anyone who wants to sponsor David can contact Anne Overton on 01283 812074.

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