LOCAL Guide Dog fundraisers, including a blind man from Wellington Heath, will tackle the gruelling Coniston Challenge this weekend.
But the team will surely cope with a sponsored mountain hike, an orienteering cycle ride and kayaking on Coniston Water, because the team members will have had their full English breakfasts, and the eating of those breakfasts was a fund-raising ordeal in itself.
Last Saturday, September 12, there was a 'blacknosed breakfast" at Wellington Heath's Memorial Hall, from 10am, when participants were sponsored to eat a full English breakfast while wearing a black "doggie" nose and blindfold.
Team leader, Patrick Adams of Wellington Heath, who has been blind for three decades said: "The event was a huge success and raised over £500.
"Friends and neighbours from Wellington Heath, Ledbury and surrounding area were served a full English breakfast or variations of this, and ate the food blindfolded. All the ingredients were supplied from local businesses and the team thanks them all for their generosity."
Local businesses who supplied the food included David Waller & Sons, Ledbury; Mark Jenkins, Greengrocers, Ledbury; the Market Cafe, Ledbury; P & F Eggs, Chilstone Herefordshire; Chelbury Mushrooms Ltd Bosbury; Sheila’s Sandwich Bar, Ledbury, and Tesco 's Ledbury.
Mr Adams said: "Our team, Patrick and the Pacemakers, will now attempt the main challenge, the Guide Dogs Coniston Challenge on Saturday September 19.
"The intrepid team will do a sponsored walk up the Old Man of Coniston, an off road, orienteering cycle ride through Grizedale Forest and finish up with kayaking on Coniston Water; all in one day."
Mr Adams was blinded in a tin mine explosion in the 1980s, and he wants to give something back the Guide Dogs charity for all the help he has received over the years.
He has had five guide dogs, including his present dog, Ivan.
The team have set themselves the task of raising £2000 this summer, towards the cost of a Guide Dog, and they are well on the way.
Donations can be made on-line until December 21 by following the link:http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/patrickandthepacemakers
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