A group of Isle of Man College students arranged a sponsored ‘guided walk’ in memory of a tireless charity worker to raise money for Manx Blind Welfare Society.

Sophie Lord, a second year Health and Social Care student at the College, contacted the charity to discuss what she and the other members of her tutor group could do to celebrate the life of Liz Johnson, whose daughter is on the same course.

Liz, who passed away in September, was a stalwart of the charity. She was a member of the MBWS Executive Committee, active volunteer, chief trainer and campaigner for the rights of visually impaired people in the Isle of Man.

She had been heavily involved in conducting sighted guiding training, which equips people with the knowledge of how to escort blind and visually impaired people safely and confidently. The second year Health and Social Care students were among those to receive the training at Isle of Man College.

The Society suggested the students could organise a sponsored guided walk, utilising the skills Liz taught, from the College to the Society’s headquarters, Corrin Court in Onchan.

All 14 members of the tutor group took part, paired up with one person blindfolded and the other providing sighted guiding.

MBWS Chief Executive Officer Ian Cooil said:

‘Liz was a much-loved and valued member of the Society, lending her experience and skills to support our services to the visually impaired community in the Isle of Man for many years.

‘It was great to hear that students Liz had helped to train wanted to do something to celebrate her life and raise money for the charity she had dedicated so much time and energy to.

‘On behalf of all the staff, volunteers and members of Manx Blind Welfare Society, I would like to say thank you everyone who took part in the sponsored walk and everyone who donated.’

Liz’s husband Terry added:

‘To see that Liz and the work she did with the Society touched the lives of these young people in such a way is wonderful. Raising money for the charity, especially using the skills she helped teach, is a marvellous tribute.’

So far the students have raised more than ?130, with more money to be collected and counted.

Sophie said:

‘It was so sad to hear Liz had passed away and we wanted to do something for her family and the charity she did so much for. We were really pleased to be able to come together to raise some money for the Society, but especially to be able to pay our own personal tribute to Liz by using the sighted guiding skill she gave us.’

To find out more about the work of Manx Blind Welfare Society visit www.facebook.com/manxblindwelfaresociety.

Photo of the walk.  Courtesy of Steve Babb.