A BRAVE nine-year-old Claines youngster who was born blind is preparing to tackle a fire walk challenge to raise money for a a good cause.
Lydia Beech, who attends Claines Primary School, will put her best foot forward for Blind Veterans UK, a charity which supports blind and vision-impaired ex-service men and women.
Lydia will be one of the youngest people in the country to have ever taken on a fire walk to raise as much cash as possible for the charity.
She was born with Lebers Congenital Amourosis, a condition which affects the retina resulting in severe vision-impairment; however she doesn’t let it prevent her from enjoying activities that others may take for granted.
Lydia’s fund-raising challenge will see her walking over hot coals that can reach up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit and takes place on Remembrance Sunday (November 8).
“I’m very excited about doing the fire walk and want to raise lots of money to help Blind Veterans UK,” Lydia said.
“I was born blind so I’m used to it but it must be very hard for the veterans who are used to being able to see.”
Lydia won’t be tackling the hot coals alone, her grandmother Julia will also be taking on the challenge to help her granddaughter raise as much money as possible.
“As a family we know the difficulties faced by those with vision-impairments and are very aware that the support offered by local authorities varies across the UK,” Julia said.
“Charities such as Blind Veterans UK offer vital support, rehabilitation and training that ensure those who have served their country are able to lead fulfilling and independent lives after sight loss.”
• Visit www.justgiving.com/lydiabeech or call Blind Veterans UK on 01492 868723 to donate to Lydia’s fund-raising challenge.
