Blind Paul reaches for the sky

REGISTERED blind man Paul Finnerty is determined to reach the skies to raise money for the Ipswich Blind Society.

Mr Finnerty is going to be catapulted into the air and go gliding as part of the Society's fundraising challenge.

Anyone brave of heart and with a head for heights, or not as the case may be, can do the challenge which involves a string of activities from abseiling to aerobatics.

Go tandem skydiving from 10,000 feet, fly the famous Stearman – an open cockpit second world war bi-plane – giving you the chance to do some fancy aerobatics, have a trial flying lesson on a light aircraft or simply go gliding over the Suffolk countryside.

Skydiving can cost up to £220 and aerobatics £90 for half an hour but the Society has pledged to pay any of the flying costs if the minimum amount of sponsorship money is raised.

The minimum amount will differ depending on the chosen challenge.

Mr Finnerty of Mersey Road, Ipswich decided the only way he could get other people to go flying for the charity was to do it himself.

He has already abseiled down Ipswich Hospital before and this year decided to do something a little bit different.

He said: "Most people think it will be easier for me if I can't look down.

"But I can see a certain amount and will be able to see how far down it is."

The abseil is taking place down the Ipswich Hospital maternity block on July 5 and 6.

However the other activities can take place all year round and are being held at different points across the county.

All the money raised will help the society run their two clubs for the visually impaired in Ipswich and keep their resource centre in Tower Street running.

The society also pays for two carers to visit people in their homes to help them out.

Money from the society also helps the management of St Felix Home for the Blind in Felixstowe.

For further information contact Paul Finnerty on 01473 716310 or the Ipswich Blind Society on 01473 219712 from 9am – 1pm Monday to Friday.