Visually impaired Sanderstead man treks across Morocco to raise funds for sight loss charity

BY TOBY PORTER
toby@slpmedia.co.uk

A visually impaired man is trekking across Morocco to raise funds for a charity that
supports people with sight loss and multiple disabilities.

The challenge will see Tommy Britton, from Sanderstead, start his journey in the capital Marrakesh, before venturing over 50km to, and then ascending, Mount Toubkal, which is over 4,000m above sea level.

Tommy lands in Morocco on October 12 and is expecting the trek to take three to
four days.

During his journey, he plans to visit settlements en route to the foot of the mountain to learn about the culture and talk with residents who also have visual impairments.

He said: “Trekking across Morocco and then up Mount Toubkal is without a doubt going to be one of the most difficult things I have ever done, but I’m excited to take on the challenge.

“I typically use a cane to go about my day, but I’m not sure how much use that is going to be on the rocky mountains in Morocco.

“I will be leaving my whole support network at home, so it will be a huge mental, physical and emotional challenge.

“But as everyone who has experienced a visual impairment knows, you build up skills and a resilience to improvise, adapt and overcome an array of tests.

“When my sight started to deteriorate, I had such incredible support from family, friends, organisations and the community.

“My network has been so vital for me to cope with what has happened. That’s why I feel like it’s so important to remain active in the community and give something back.”

Tommy was born with a condition that affected his eyesight, but it wasn’t until in his late 20s that the condition became aggressive and he lost much of his vision.

From that point, he was unable to continue running his business. But Tommy was determined to remain active and continue to be part of the community.

He has thrown himself into the game of goalball, both playing and fundraising for his local goalball club, Croysutt Warriors.

The club provides the only regular visually impaired specific physical activity and social community opportunity in Croydon and the surrounding boroughs.

All of the proceeds that Tommy raises will go to sight loss charity SeeAbility.

To donate, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Tommy-Britton