Epic 7 day challenge ahead
Shannon Cleave has never let low vision slow her down.
The Paeroa woman and her twin Ellisia were born with albinism, which affects the pigment in the iris causing short-sightedness and photophobia, or glare problems.
Because of this, they cannot drive, but their low vision has never stopped the sisters from pursuing their interests. They have both competed in horse riding shows and Shannon is now a RallyO dog obedience judge.
‘‘We’ve always tried to do what we wanted,’’ she said.
Now, Shannon will join seven Kiwis with sight loss in an epic 700km adventure through the North Island in seven days for the Blind Foundation’s inaugural 7 Day Challenge.
The participants, who range in age from 24 to 59, will undertake a series of physical challenges as they make their way from Tauranga to Wellington.
The event begins on October 1, when participants will sail in a modern waka from Tauranga to the Tuhua, Mayor Island, wildlife refuge.
Over the following five days, the group will complete a 40km relay run to from Tauranga to Rotorua, cycle on tandem bikes from Rotorua to Taupo, complete the Tongariro Crossing, Kayak down part of the Whanganui River and trek the Kapiti Walkway.
The seventh day is a mystery leg that takes them into Te Papa Museum in Wellington on October 7 to coincide with the foundation’s Blind Week street collection.
Shannon, 36, who is an office manager for the Blind Foundation, said she wanted to do the challenge to empower people with low vision.
‘‘That’s the whole point of the seven day challenge, is to inspire people to try and see how far they can go because you never know how far you can go until you try,’’ she said.
‘‘You’ve got choices, it would be easy for me to not come to work and stay at home.’’
She has been in training five days a week since April to get fit for the challenge, including running, hiking and working with a personal trainer at the gym.
Her days start at 6am with a 5km run and she hits the gym in her lunch hour.
When she first started training, she struggled to reach 300m on the treadmill in five minutes.
‘‘I’m definitely fitter. You need to come up with a goal or something to aim for,’’ she said.
Her efforts have paid off – so far, she has lost a massive 23kg.
‘‘I haven’t been on a diet, I’ve just been healthy, eating whole food and good portion sizes. Exercise has been the main thing.’’
A film crew will follow the team’s progress on the challenge.
Blind Foundation chief executive Sandra Budd said the 7 Day Challenge was a chance for the participants to push their physical and mental boundaries.
‘‘They will have the opportunity to broaden their horizons, while showing New Zealand what we at the Blind Foundation already know – that people who are blind or have low vision can live a life without limits and achieve extraordinary things.
‘‘Of course, safety is paramount on this adventure and there will be sighted support crew on hand to help guide the participants on their journey.’’
To follow the team, make a donation or create your own 7 Day Challenge, go to 7daychallenge.org.nz.