Blind man to tackle triathlon for charity

Published on Monday 7 September 2009 09:37

KAYAKING, cycling and hiking for 30km is a big enough challenge for anyone, but for Sandy Miller the task is even more impressive because he is completely blind.

The West Lothian guide dog owner, who lost his sight 25 years ago, is set to tackle a triathlon at Coniston, in the Lake District, in aid of charity Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

The Coniston Challenge, which takes place next Saturday, will see Mr Miller paddling a kayak for 3km on Coniston Water and cycling the trails of the Grizedale Forest for 17km, before taking part in a gruelling 10km hike up The Old Man of Coniston mountain.

Mr Miller, who has had a guide dog since 1997, will be accompanied by three friends to make up the team, Auld Reekie. They will compete with around another 30 teams – over 200 people in all – and have just ten hours to complete the challenge.

Mr Miller said: "We're not in it to win it, we're in it to take part and raise money for a very, very worthwhile cause.

"It's very difficult to explain to someone, unless they are also in a position to need a guide dog, just how much a guide dog means to that individual.

"I benefit from a guide dog. It gives me a sense of independence and, along with many others, I do my best to raise lots of money and awareness for the charity."

He laughed: "I'm feeling fine about the challenge. The events team got in touch with me the other day to see how my training was going and I told them I was up to about ten pints a night now!"

Mr Miller will cycle on the back of a tandem bike with another member of the team leading the way on the front.

"For the hike, I will just hang on to a strap on somebody's backpack in front and they will lead me along," he added.

The father-of-three, who lives in Broxburn, lost his sight in 1984 after a rare virus called neuromyelitis optica affected his nervous system.

Mr Miller has had his current guide dog, a five-year-old retriever called Alex, since last year but won't be taking him on the adventure. He explained: "He gets upset if he's left out."

Mr Miller has taken part in similar challenges for the Guide Dogs charity since 2000.

The charity's events manager, Peter Emmett, said: "Sandy's challenge is truly inspiring and we wish him all the best of luck.

"Guide Dogs relies on the generosity and spirit of people who take up challenges for us, like Sandy, and we are incredibly grateful to them."

All teams that take part will receive a completion trophy. There will also be special trophies presented to the team that raises the most fundraising money and the team with the best spirit - the Team of the Day.