A few weeks ago “Guide Dogs Week” was
marked by various fundraising events going on across the UK.
The theme of the week was ‘Walk
my Way’ and I was there to do some filming for a short
video all about the campaign.
I went to London’s Euston station where I
filmed many of the commuters saying hello to the very cute guide dog puppies in
training. The purpose was to give the commuters the feeling of what it is like
to be without your sight. It was nice to see
people giving up their lunch break to have a go at understanding what it is
like to be blind and walking around the station something they would do without
thinking on a day-to-day basis.
When I was happy with the amount of footage
I had collected at the station I began to pack up and say my goodbyes. When I
was asked, “Would you like a go?” I stood there for a second contemplating
this. I then agreed to have someone take away my sight for 10 minutes as I was
guided through the many busy commuters going through the station.
The only way I can describe this feeling is
one of panic at first, I thought I was going to walk straight into a lamppost!
And if you know Euston at all you will know there aren’t any. But as I
continued to walk round the station I found that my other senses were becoming
tuned to my surroundings, I could tell when we were outside and when we went
into the station. If you get this opportunity it is something that you should
try.
I then travelled to film another Guide Dogs
Week event at Chepstow Quarry, home to what’s claimed to be one of the longest
zip wires in the UK.
I chatted with a couple of gents who are
blind and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience without any fear whatsoever. But
there was more than a little wobble in my stomach as I leapt off. However, I just hung there enjoying the view
and recording it all on my camera. But the problem was I was facing the wrong
way and couldn’t spin round so all you see is where I have been and not what was
a fantastic view. Here is the view I experienced.
I have really enjoyed this week, learning a
great deal about the work of the Guide Dogs charity and the brilliant work it
does.
