Swanage, Dorset, 27th June – The Dorset Blind Association is thrilled to announce the success of the recent abseiling and rock-climbing challenge with the inspirational Amar Latif and the expert team from Land & Wave.
‘The Blind Adventurer’, who has appeared on numerous travel documentaries, BBC’s Celebrity Masterchef and as a regular guest presenter on The One Show, joined Dorset-based adventure company Land & Wave to complete a charity adventure challenge on Saturday.
The TV presenter was helping Land & Wave highlight how adventure can be accessible for all while raising money for Dorset Blind Association. Originally planned as a coasteering event, the adventure was redesigned due to conditions along the Jurassic Coast. The challenge involved Amar completing a steep, undulating 40-minute hike down to the cliffs, followed by an abseil down the sea cliffs at UK beauty spot Dancing Ledge, near Swanage. He was accompanied by sighted guide, Sophia Reed, from Activities Industry Mutual (an insurance company specialising in supporting outdoor adventure providers). “What a brilliant day seeing one of our members in action and having the chance to guide Amar through their exciting activities! Loved it and so pleased to have been a part of it all” says Sophia.
Following the abseil, Amar then completed his first ever outdoor rock climb on the limestone cliffs, using sound and touch to feel his way up the jagged route. He relied on descriptive instructions from the group to manoeuvre upwards, clinging to the ammonite-clad rocks.
Amar was joined in the challenge by outdoor instructor, Verity Church, who wore black-out goggles for the duration of the challenge to gain a small insight into what it’s like to experience adventure as a blind person. Verity also had a sighted guide to assist them and remained blindfolded for over four hours for the hike, climb and abseil.
Verity says “It activated an immediate trust and respect in each other. We instantly connected. It was a surreal experience that left me feeling more in tune with the landscape. I am full of respect for people who are visually impaired. Trust and instinct are so important. Just hearing Amar constantly joking and having to chase his speed gave me the confidence to trust my body. Amar and I exchanged our experiences all afternoon, bridging the gap between sighted and non-sighted. I’m so grateful for such a supportive team to help us complete the challenge and raise funds for Dorset Blind Association and their amazing work.”
This adventure challenge was led by Land & Wave in a bid to understand some of the accessibility challenges facing the blind and visually impaired community. Alex Mortimer, Land & Wave company Director says, “Amar was a keynote speaker at a recent event our insurers, AIM, hosted. He was so inspirational and fearless, I just had to ask him to join us for an adventure in Dorset. It’s been fascinating to learn how we can do better as an industry at making adventure accessible for all.”
The challenge has raised over £600 so far, which will go directly to local charity, Dorset Blind Association to support visually impaired individuals in our community. Sam Baker, Community Relations Officer for Dorset Blind, joined the challenge. She says, “”Being involved in this incredible climbing challenge has been an unforgettable experience for all of us at Dorset Blind Association. Verity’s bravery and can-do attitude were truly inspirational, and Amar’s positive approach to life was infectious and motivating for everyone involved. We are immensely grateful to the entire Land & Wave team for their fantastic guidance and support throughout the event. This event has highlighted the power of adventure and teamwork in raising awareness and support.”
The funds raised will directly benefit Dorset Blind Association’s ongoing programs and services, providing essential support to visually impaired individuals across Dorset. This event has not only raised vital funds but also brought significant attention to the daily challenges faced by those living with visual impairments.
To make a donation, head here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/land-and-wave