Colin Cure's Countywide Bike Ride Challenge

From the 19th -21st June 2008 OAB's Director Colin Cure took on the challenge of cycling around Oxfordshire for three days with his friends Diane & Gary. Along the way they visited many of the local societies for visually impaired people. For more information visit Collin's Bike Ride Challenge website.

The British 10K London Run

On Sunday July 1st 2007, three women people braved the awful summer weather and the heightened terror alerts in the capital to run the British 10K London Run on behalf of OAB.

Stephanie Harwood, Anna Day and Berenice Woodward all completed the course.

Berenice said: “I was really chuffed that with minimal training I ran the whole way! I did it all in one go, without stopping. I am really rather proud of myself. I completed it in 1hr 5mins, which is pretty damn good. My legs felt like rubber and my feet like hard sponges, but it was worth it and I actually quite enjoyed it.”

Between them, they raised over £700 for OAB.

Irene Priestly’s Peru Trek

Between the 27th April to 6th May 2007, Irene Priestly, a partially sighted OAB client took up the challenge of trekking through ‘deepest darkest’ Peru to raise money for OAB! 71-year old Irene embarked on an expedition in Peru and the Land of the Incas. She visited the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco on her trek, and explored the lost city of Machu Picchu among other amazing places. Irene said: “I read about Laila Allen the 78-year old lady who did the parachute jump for OAB last year and it really inspired me to do something extraordinary. I retired from being a counsellor for Relate after 32 years of service at Christmas, and I was ready for a new challenge!”

Irene raised over £3,000 for OAB! She remarked “I said I would do it, and I have. I trekked for six days to reach Macchu Picchu in Peru and, in my opinion, earned every penny of the £3,000 all my supporters so generously pledged. The landscape was awesome: mountains that seemed to go up forever, deep valleys, waterfalls, old Incan ruins and isolated mud brick houses with just an opening for a door and no windows or lighting.”

This was the first time that Irene did anything like this, and she hopes her adventure will inspire other people with poor vision to have a go! You can read all about this amazing challenge in the July 07 issue of the OAB newsletter where Irene relates some of her amazing story.

Wendy Cross - London Marathon Run

Wendy Cross, from Banbury took part in the London Marathon on the 22nd April 2007 to raise lots of funds for OAB.

The 47 year old started running regularly around 5 years ago to get fit for a skiing holiday and has not stopped since. A member of the Cherwell Runners Club, Wendy has made many friends and runs with the club every week. She ran her first marathon last year – The New Forest.

Wendy raised the excellent amount of £1,773 single-handed by completing the London Marathon. When Gift Aid is recouped on the amount, the total will be around £2,000. Wendy said: ‘The London Marathon was an intense experience. Nothing prepares you for the sheer amount of people – both taking part in the race and lining the route! It was also very hot. I am really pleased I can say I took part and the support I received from people was overwhelming’.

The Neverest Climb Challenge - www.neverestclimb.org.uk

The Neverest charity challenge was the brainchild of 23 year old Ben Allcock. On Saturday 11th November 2006, Ben set himself the Herculean task of summiting the equivalent height of Mount Everest from Base Camp One on the south ridge to the apex using the indoor rock climbing wall located at Oxford Brookes University. Amazingly, this 3250 metre climb was attempted and successful completed in 5 hours and 48 minutes smashing the record of 8 hours 10 minutes in the process. He climbed the indoor rock climbing wall at Oxford Brookes University sports centre 300 times. His inspiration was to raise awareness of visual impairment issues, and much needed funds for Oxfordshire Association for the Blind. Ben embarked upon a strict fitness training regime in the build up to the big day. “I am the sort of person that once my mind is made up I go all out to achieve my objective”. He was assisted and supported by friends and family. Visit the audio-visual www.neverestclimb.org.uk web site for full information on this amazing challenge. Online donations for the Neverest Climb Charity event can also be made at the site.

" What a great fundraising event, helping the blind and opening the eyes of the world. The greatest danger is life is not to take the adventure, so go for it ! With great admiration". Brian Blessed

Laila Allen Parachute Jump

On Saturday May 20 2006, at Hinton Airfield, Steane, Brackley, Northants - Laila Allen, a 78 year old from Kidlington, leaped out of a plane to raise money for Oxfordshire Association for the Blind. Laila said: “I saw the poster advertising jumps in my local leisure centre and I couldn’t resist it”. She added: “I often do daring things so I thought it would be great to do this jump, have some fun and help Oxfordshire Association for the Blind” Laila jumped from 10,000 feet, harnessed to an experienced instructor. At one point she was freefalling at speeds of up to 120 mph! The then Operations manager at Oxfordshire Association for the Blind, John Lynch said: “The majority of our clients are elderly. “We are thrilled that Laila did this jump for us. Laila challenged perceived limitations of old age, just as OAB exists to help challenge the effects of sight loss.” View more press images of Leila amazing 10,000ft jump!

Tite Inn Charity Cycle Ride

The Tite Inn and Charity Cycle Ride raises money for charity, one of which is Oxfordshire Association for the Blind. The event was held on Monday 25th and 26th September 2006. “The ride was to Stonehenge and back! It worked out to be as predicted - 130 miles. Well done to the route master Richard Greaves and also to all who cycled and supported us on the journey. We have started thinking about where to go next year so if you have any bright ideas why not pop in or send an email? They raised a total of £17,632.60. The MP David Cameron kindly presented the cheque to the charities at The Tite Inn on Friday January 19th, 2007. Further information can be found on their web site. Visit the web site here.

"Look Who's Walking" Sponsored Walk

On Sunday March 19th 2006, OAB held a Sponsored Walk in beautiful surroundings. It started and finished at the Perch Inn, and there was a choice of two routes to suit all abilities. There was a two-mile distance walk with Port Meadow as the backdrop and for the more-hardy walker there was a seven mile walk. Local band The G’s were also on hand to inspire weary walkers with tiring limbs. Community Fundraiser at OAB, Andrew Morley said: “The Look Who’s Walking sponsored walk was a great opportunity to do something healthy and remarkable at the same time.”

A Journey Through the Body

On Saturday November 12th 2005, OAB held a stimulating fundraising event at St Barnabas Church in Jericho. The stunning venue played host to a very special guided tour of the human body. Organised by OAB and the Argy Bargy Theatre Company, the tour required participants to wear blindfolds and use all their senses except for sight as they were guided round a ‘human body’ represented by sounds and smells and a few surprises. All music performed on the night was made up of original compositions.

Organiser Giles Shearing said: “The tour was similar to a fair ride, but it was educational as well as great fun!

“Groups of people going on the tour were led by trained guides and informed by our fantastic tour guide Benji Ming who gave an edifying commentary on each of the body parts encountered on the journey.

“By giving the participants blindfolds we gave them an idea of what it might be like to be visually impaired. We will also show them a really good time and raised money for a great cause at the same time.”