‘Get in the car, close your eyes and put the pedal to the metal!’ Not normally advisable and slightly scary for any passengers. But that is exactly what 25 blind and partially sighted members from Dorset Blind Association and Somerset Sight did on Sunday 17th September.
The two sight loss charities teamed up in order to offer a once in a lifetime driving experience for their visually impaired members. Henstridge Airfield in north Dorset kindly offered their runway as a race track, with members hitting top speeds of 85mph! 2nd 2NONE Driving School supplied their driving instructors and duel-controlled cars to give the members the excitement of freedom and speed.
Ages ranged from 21 to 90 with Doug from Scotland, who happened to be visiting his son in Poole over the weekend, being the oldest participant. Doug has been blind since the age of eight and had never had the opportunity to drive before.
Doug said,‘Just let me know when you do this again and I’ll travel down from Stranraer to take part. It has been the thrill of my life!’
This fantastic activity has given the charities members the opportunity to do something that some of them could only ever have dreamed to have done.
Dorset Blind Association, which will be celebrating their centenary next year, and has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2017 offers many clubs and varied activities for blind and visually impaired people across Dorset. If you would like to find out more information call 01202 712865 or email info@dorsetblind.org.uk