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An intrepid Scout Leader takes on the challenge of the West Highland Way. |
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 Bob Lynch |
At a time when most of us were thinking about Christmas presents and turkey dinners – Scout leader Bob Lynch, was lacing up his hiking boots and preparing to take on the challenge of a 95-mile winter hike in aid of BWBF. Bob, from Gourock, Inverclyde in Scotland, group scout leader of 10th Greenock & District (2nd Gourock), decided he would walk the entire length of the West Highland Way. That’s nearly 100 rough and rugged miles… on foot… in winter… and most definitely not a stroll in the park! Bob completed the tough 95-mile hike in seven days and raised £400 for our charity. He was accompanied by two other walkers and a two-person support team. “It was a challenge that I enjoyed undertaking,” said Mr Lynch who endured snow, rain and a blizzard during the walk. “What kept me going was the people who sponsored me. I did not want to let them down by giving up. I was very pleased to be able to raise so much money for a very worthy cause.” As well as walking, Bob also runs! Runs the Scout Amateur Radio Club (call sign MM0TSG), in fact, with members working for the amateur radio Foundation Licence and Scout Radio Communicator Badge. |
All of us at the Fund would like to applaud Mr Lynch for his marvellous achievement – and we very much hope that the many blisters he must have endured on our behalf are now fully healed! |
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I found it really nerve-wracking at first, I’ve always been nervous on the phone but I kept going because I know I’m doing my bit helping out. When I volunteered I thought I might have done filing or something – which might have been easier.
I wanted to gain experience and this has made me much more confident.” Many shops Kirsty spoke to were unwilling to accept a collecting box saying they were afraid the boxes would be stolen but Kirsty persisted. “The first time I placed a box with a local optician I took it in myself. I felt quite confident – I surprised myself! They were very nice to me and now our box is in position on their counter.”
Aside from seeing our distinctive livery around the area, collecting boxes are now a source of much needed funds. If you feel that you’d like to give up a little spare time to help the Fund’s work – in the Kent area or anywhere else around the country – just let us know, we’d be very grateful and your efforts will be deeply appreciated.
British Wireless for the Blind Fund has been actively recruiting new volunteers since moving to its Maidstone offices last year.
There are a number of ways in which volunteers can help us and, where possible we like to try and find them a specific project. One thing we wanted to do was become more visible locally so we decided to try to increase the number of our collecting boxes in sites around the area. Assisting us with this project has been Kirsty Waghorne (23).
Kirsty has had serious back problems for many years and is now recovering from major surgery. She’s been unable to go into full time employment and volunteering with the Fund has been a way for her to gain experience.
