Warren Wilson, a 21 year old student from Duxford who lost his sight four years ago, is now taking a break from his studies to become a daredevil for the day to raise money for leading sight loss charity the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).
On 15th October Warren will take his life into his hands by taking part in a tandem parachute jump to raise money for RNIB, and apparently thrill seeking runs in the family, because his granddad, 66, performed the same stunt a year ago.
Warren, who is registered blind, began losing his sight at the age of 17 due to the eye condition Lebers Optic Neuropathy. Since then he has been getting on with his life with the help of RNIB's services, including gadgets to help him live an independent life, a talking book reader for his university work and most recently, the provision of a specially adapted football so he can continue to have a kick-about with his friends.
Warren says: "I'm really excited about giving this a go to raise money for RNIB. The charity has helped so many blind and partially sighted people like me live their lives independently, it's great to be able to give something back and have a new experience at the same time. I am a bit nervous, but if my Granddad can do it then I can't be a chicken about it!"
Aishah Zaman from RNIB said: "It's wonderful when people help RNIB raise vital funds by pushing themselves to do something they wouldn't normally do. We wish Warren the best of luck with his challenge and hope that he has lots of fun. It surprises lots of people that every day another 100 people in the UK begin to lose their sight. Nearly 70 per cent of RNIB's work to support blind and partially sighted people is funded by the public. Our services are only available thanks to generous fundraisers like Warren and his supporters."
Why not sponsor Warren by visiting his JustGiving page http://www.justgiving.com/skydive4rnib/
If you are interested in joining Warren on the skydive, you can register too at www.rnib.org.uk/rnibskydive
ENDS
For more information please contact Jess Sweetman, RNIB's Media Relations Team on 020 7391 2223, email Jessica.sweetman@rnib.org.uk
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Notes to editors:
About RNIB
Every day around 100 people in the UK start to lose their sight. There are around 2 million people in the UK with sight problems. RNIB is the leading charity working in the UK offering practical support, advice and information for anyone with sight difficulties. If you, or someone you know, has a sight problem RNIB can help. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk