A vision for the future

Mapua resident Steve Delaney is determined not to let sight loss get in the way of adventure.

Earlier in the month, Delaney ran a marathon for the first time, went white water rafting and attempted the Tongariro crossing all in the space of a week.

He was one of seven New Zealanders that took part in the

Blind Foundation’s ‘‘7 Day

Challenge’’, an event that traversed 700km across by foot, bike and kayak from Mt Maunganui to Wellington. It was an opportunity for those who were blind or had low vision to push the boundaries.

When Delaney was in his late

20s, he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that meant over time, he would lose his sight.

It had a ‘‘huge emotional impact’’ at the time, and his self-confidence took a hit.

‘‘I have basically got tunnel vision, I’m down to less than 10 degrees central vision, I have very few spots of peripheral vision, it’s not enough to make anything out really.’’

But being involved with events through the Blind Foundation was a reminder of how to overcome daily challenges and ‘‘live a life without limits’’.

A few years after his diagnosis, he attended Outward Bound and was inspired by other Blind Foundation members and their attitude to life.

‘‘I think after returning from that I