Charity dad treks to see country – before he goes blind

AMAN who has been told he will eventually go blind is walking the length of the country while he can still see to raise cash for a children’s charity.

Damien O’Connor, 32, from Rochdale is currently undertaking a 974 mile trek from John o’ Groats to Land’s End for Starlight Children’s Foundation, alongside his dad Ray.

The father of four was inspired to undertake the ‘End to End’ challenge after he contracted a virus in his neck two years ago which caused him to lose his sight.

His vision has now returned but he has been left with a black spot and doctors have said that his eyesight will deteriorate and he will eventually go blind.

Damien said: “My eyesight is only getting worse and I will go blind so I want to see all of my country before that happens, and what better way to do it than by walking from John O’Groats to Land’s End for charity with my dad by my side.

“As a father of four, it’s amazing to walk for Starlight to help seriously ill children and show them the possibilities of what life can be.”

Unfortunately Ray recently suffered a knee and back injury, whilst on the Glasgow stretch of the route, and has had to stop walking.

However he is continuing to support his son, following him by car, and hopes to rejoin him as a walking partner if he recovers in time.

The money raised by the walk will be donated to Starlight Children’s Foundation, which was set up over 30 years ago and supports children and teenagers suffering from serious and terminal illnesses.

They do this through their hospital entertainment and wish granting programmes.

Jess Wilde, Starlight fundraising officer, said: “Damian is a true Starlight superstar and his ‘End to End’ challenge is no small feat.

“It’s incredible that he’s chosen to walk 874 miles from John O’Groats to Land’s End for Starlight to help us brighten the lives of seriously ill children.

“Damian’s also helping raise awareness about Starlight’s work by speaking to members of the public about the charity along the way.

“We’re extremely grateful to him for all his support.”

To find our more or sponsor Damian and Ray, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Damianandrayendtoend. ●●Damien O’Connor and his dad Ray, who are walking from John O’Groats to Land’s End to raise money for Starlight children’s charity