Sports guests kick off national See and Hear event
Special guests representing the field of sports and outdoor activities will be part of the celebrations at Shropshire’s See and Hear event this week, (Wednesday 16 May) at Shrewsbury Sports Village.
John Churcher
John Churcher
British Paraclimber John Churcher will be officially opening the event at its launch at 10am along with his guide dog daisy. John was the first deafblind person to climb the Eiger and is active in promoting awareness and access for visually imp
Julian Jackson – Big Blind Walk challenge
Just before the Exhibition opens, Julian Jackson, who lost his sight in 2010 to a retinal inherited disease, will set off from the Sports Village as part of stage 18 of his 55 stage Big Blind Walk challenge. The Big Blind Walk challenge is a 1000 mile walk from Land’s End to John O’Groats. Julian will set off from the sports village, en route to Whitchurch 20 miles away, between 9.45am and 10am.
Julian’s epic walk began from Land’s End, Cornwall, on 29th April, and will finish at John O’Groats, in the far north of Scotland, on or about 22nd June. The purpose of his walk is to raise funds for research on sight loss, and raise awareness about sight loss. The National Eye Research Centre is supporting his walk.
Julian Jackson
Jessica Hiles
The See and Hear Exhibition is now well established as one of the largest of its kind in the UK. Over 800 visitors are expected to attend from far and wide. Over 70 organisations that provide the latest aids and services for those with sight and hearing impairment will be exhibiting.
Jessica Hiles
John Churcher will be welcomed to the Exhibition by Councillor Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing.
Councillor Lee Chapman said;
“We are extremely honoured to welcome our special guest to this year’s See and Hear Exhibition. This year’s theme is ‘inspiration’, and I feel our guests truly represent the spirit of this having accomplished these fantastic achievements regardless of their disability.”
“Our See and Hear Exhibition is a fantastic event and open to everyone to try out equipment and learn more about the support on offer to help improve the quality of life for those with sensory impairment, such as hearing or sight loss.
“If you, or someone you know or care for, has a sensory impairment, I would strongly recommend taking the opportunity to come along, as it really is a great opportunity to see the support and information that’s available. We look forward to seeing you.”
You can find out more about John Churcher and Jessica Hiles at https://johnchurcher.wordpress.com/ and https://shropshire.gov.uk/media/9279/jess-hiles-profile-for-webpage.pdf.
Julian’s Big Blind Walk featured on the 29th April edition of BBC TV’s Countryfile programme. Those who wish to support him by giving donations can do so via Julian’s Big Blind Walk website at http://bigblindwalk.com
The See Hear Exhibition opens 10am on Wednesday 16 May and remains open until 4pm. A free shuttle bus will run from Shrewsbury train station to the exhibition, every 30 minutes starting at 9.30am
For more information about the event visit shropshire.gov.uk/seehear2018. You can also follow us on Twitter @VTTShrop or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VTTShropshire
