Stepping up to piers challenge

The sponsored 3 pier run and walk raising money for N-Vision

Around 60 people took part in the event to raise funds for N-Vision, the Blackpool Fylde and Wyre Society for the Blind.

Ruth Lambert, N-Vision CEO, was delighted by the number of walkers, who were welcomed back to the charity’s HQ with bacon butties after walking to and from their choice of South Pier, Central Pier or North Pier.

She said: “I was thrilled to see so many people doing the Three Piers sponsored walk.

“I thank everyone for giving up their spare time to do it.

“The funds raised will be going into N-Vision, the Blackpool Fylde and Wyre Society for the Blind – a local charity for local people.”

The charity is also currently in the running in another race.

N-Vision is in third position in the Cumbria and Lancashire regional section of a national race to win up to £12k from the Marks and Spencer’s Energy Fund of £300k.

The emphasis is on renewable energy projects and energy-saving technologies.

N-Vision, the only Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre charity in the running for the grant, is 186 votes behind the frontrunner.

But with voting ending on October 20 N-Vision fundraiser David Renshaw – who put together the video which bagged the coveted spot on the shortlist – admits: “We could do with a big push. Please vote for us and ask your friends and family to do so too.”

The charity works with 2,200 clients who are severely visually impaired or partially sighted.

The shortlisted video, presented by veteran actor Bernard Nagle, a friend of the charity, presents N-Vision’s case for LED lighting, which would virtually halve electricity bills at the charity’s HQ on Bosworth Place, South Shore, and light the way for clients visiting the Low Vision Centre and help more than 50 residents at the Princess Alexandra Home and flats.

One hundred charities across the UK are competing for energy grants, five in the same section as N-Vision.

Mr Renshaw added: “It is vitally important for the visually impaired to have as much independence as possible, build their confidence and live life to the full.

“Appropriate lighting is essential for the care and wellbeing of the visually impaired.

“Installing LED will help them enjoy a better quality of life. And it will save money.

Our electricity bill is over £22,000 a year. LED lighting will save £10,500 per annum – money that can be put to improving our services.”

Winners are decided by public vote on this link: www.mandsenergyfund.com/projects/n-vision-led-lighting-project