Girl walks 180 miles blindfolded
A SCHOOLGIRL has walked 180 miles from London to Manchester in just 10 days for charity - while blindfolded
Alicia Wright, who is partially blind in one eye, travelled through Hinckley last week and stopped at Sketchley Grange Hotel in Burbage for free.
The 11-year-old was guided by her parents during the mammoth challenge to raise money for children’s blindness charity, Henshaws.
Last year, Alicia completed a walk from Blackpool to Trafford wearing a blindfold, totalling 60 miles over three days.
This year she took the challenge to the next level by walking nearly 20 miles a day for 10 days in the hope of raising £5,000.
The Manchester girl was inspired to support the charity following a routine eye test when she was five years old.
She discovered she had limited vision in one eye and the experience made her more aware of the challenges facing children with sight loss and encouraged her to raise money for charity.
Her mum Lisa said: “My daughter has always been a very caring, conscientious person who is passionate about helping others and so we weren’t at all surprised when she told us that she wanted to help raise money for charity.
“It was Alicia who came up with the fundraising idea. I don’t think any of us realised just how tough it would be last time but it’s amazing the motivation that you generate when you know it’s for a great cause.”
Their 10 day trek began at Wembley stadium on May 27 and they travelled through Bedfordshire, Towcester, Rugby, Staffordshire, Cheadle, and Macclesfield, before finishing at the Henshaws office in Old Trafford on June 6.
Sketchley Grange Hotel provided accommodation for the family for free.
Beth Arnold, 19, who is a service user at the charity said: “It is absolutely wonderful that there are people as kind as Alicia who would give up their time to do such a great thing.
“What she achieved will literally change the lives of others. She is an inspiration to us all.”
To donate visit henshaws.org.uk/ alicia