Fund raising on wheels for the visually impaired

KEEN cyclist Patrick Reynolds will be embarking on a 100-mile sponsored cycle over two days in September.

Patrick, who has a visual impairment, will cycle solo for the “Around Laois Sponsor Cycle” on September 16 and 17 to help raise funds for the National Council for the Blind of Ireland.
The sponsored cycle is in aid of acquiring funds for one, maybe two, GPS navigating systems for the county.

This navigating system can help blind and visually impaired people find their way around Ireland’s urban areas.

As well as providing an area map of a city or town, already downloaded onto the device; on the spot information about distinctive new changes made to a street can also be keyed in.

Patrick told the Laois Nationalist this device increases a person’s mobility and enhances their confidence by giving them more independence and freedom to travel wherever they wish.

“The GPS navigating system is a relatively new piece of technology. With this system a person can download different urban maps. I want to bring a least two systems into the county which can be rented for a day at a time,” he said.

‘I have a visual impairment and I intend to cycle independently around Laois without the aid of a tandem or guide cyclist. This is a first for a visually impaired person so I will need all the support I can get,” said Patrick.

To raise further aware-ness about the campaign Patrick will take part in a ‘on the spot’ cycle at Laois Shopping Centre on September 2.

All are welcome participate in the sponsored cycle by contacting Patrick on 0879351886.