Blind and partially sighted people meet Jason Smyth after conquering Ben Nevis
Saturday 15 September not only seen a heroes' home coming for double Paralympian gold medallist Jason Smyth, but capped a recent momentous achievement for 15 blind and partially sighted people and their guides who were inspired by the Eglinton athlete.
The previous Monday 10 September, the group ascended the highest peak in the United Kingdom, Ben Nevis, led by guides from the Sport NI funded Tollymore National Outdoor Centre.
The Sensory Engagement Programme (SEP), funded through the EU's INTERREG IVA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), gave the group this amazing opportunity.
Climber Bernie Slone said "Who ever said blind people can't climb mountains? Yes of course this was difficult and a big challenge at times but we've put the training in and it's such an uplifting feeling when you reach the top".
Howling winds and driving rain and hail failed to deter the group from completing the five mile hike to the top of Ben Nevis. Those climbers who couldn't see, held on to the rucksack of the sighted climber in front as they verbally described the lay of the land ahead.
Most of the climbers came from the border counties of Derry/Lderry and Donegal, and Armagh/Louth.
Danny McSherry, SEP Coordinator said "I was really proud of all the group, blind and partially sighted people and guides alike. This was not something to take on lightly and we all had to push ourselves to the limit. It was a nine hour hike, and of course half of it up hill. This has shown me that with the determination and right support you can achieve anything".
Bernie Slone continued, "Over the coming months, we intend to take on other challenges in order to inspire other blind and partially sighted people. You can do what ever you want if you put your mind to it".
The SEP is an innovative cross border project, which brings together four of the largest organisations providing support services for deaf and blind people across Northern Ireland and Ireland: RNIB NI, Action on Hearing Loss (formally RNID NI), NCBI and Deaf hear.
On reaching the summit, the roof of Britain, there was a chance for a quick rest and a bite to eat then it was time to start down before the weather got any worse.
Be sure to catch the Sound Vision Ulster feature on Conquering Ben Nevis, in the September/October edition.