Morecambe Bay Walk for Southport based sight loss charity

8th July 2019
Morecambe Bay Walk for Southport based sight loss charity

A local sight loss charity is inviting people to join them on their famous Morecambe Bay Walk and cross the sands for blind and partially sighted people.

Every year, hundreds of charity champions support Southport’s Galloway’s by trekking across Morecambe Bay on their organised charity walks. Galloway’s are the only charity to receive two dates over one weekend to make this famous crossing.

This year’s walks will be taking place on Saturday, August, 24 and Sunday, August 25 and will set off from the picturesque village of Arnside.

New Queen’s Guide to the Sands, Michael Wilson will lead the Galloway’s group for the first time across the sands.

Michael said: “Cedric has told me a lot about the wonderful work that Galloway’s does with blind and partially sighted people in the area, and I feel very honoured to be able to continue that relationship.

“I’m looking forward to leading my first walk across Morecambe Bay for Galloway’s in August and I hope it will be the first of many.”

Supporters will get the chance to walk around 8 miles, taking in stunning views of the bay and its rugged coastline, before completing the walk at the quaint village of Kents Bank.

Cedric Robinson, who announced his retirement from his post of Queen’s Guide to the Sands in April, wished Galloway’s well for the future.

The former guide to the sands has led Galloway’s walks for over 30 years and has supported many walkers as they funds for people living with sight loss.

He said: “I’ve been delighted to lead thousands of walkers across the sands for Galloway’s. It’s always been a fantastic weekend and it’s inspiring to have been able to support people with sight loss to challenge boundaries.

“I wish them every success for the future of the walks and I’ll miss the Galloway’s Bay Walk weekends.”

Events fundraiser, Charlotte Carnell, is now calling on people to sign up to help raise vital funds for visually impaired people in the area.

Charlotte said: “The Morecambe Bay Walk is a brilliant day out and we know our supporters really enjoy this event.

“Last year’s walk raised over £20,000 which helped us to continue to support our community of blind and partially sighted people in the area.

“Money raised from the walk forms a significant part of Galloway’s income, and we are so grateful to all our supporters who have helped.

“This year, we would like even more walkers to sign up, so if you are thinking about doing something for your local charity, or would like to share some wonderful memories with your children or grandchildren, please do come and walk for Galloway’s.“

More than 41,000 people in Lancashire are currently living with sight loss.

Galloway’s provides information and support to thousands of visually impaired people in the local area.

The charity relies on donations and support from the local community. To sign up for the walk, please visit https://www.galloways.org.uk/events