Hazel Kelly from Corstorphine went on a ‘wee wander’ on Monday. Hazel walked a six-mile circuit of Inverleith Park and the Botanic Gardens to raise funds for a local charity drive very close to her heart, Corstorphine Community Talking Books.
The ‘wee wander’ is one of the options of the Edinburgh Kiltwalk, which takes place in the capital on Sunday 15th September.
Hazel (75) can’t make that and missed last year’s one as well when she had to have an operation on her eye. She has experienced two degenerative corneal eye conditions which have significantly affected her sight.
But she was so determined to do her bit the Kiltwalk organisers agreed to let her do her walk in advance.
“The Corstorphine Community Talking Books drive has already raised over £6,000 towards new audio books for adults and children with sight loss,” Hazel said.
“I am partially sighted myself and I know the value of being able to read the same books as everyone else. So I really wanted to do the Edinburgh Kiltwalk wearing the colours of sight loss charity RNIB, which produces Talking Books.
“We’ve already been able to add two children’s and one adult book to the RNIB library and I want us to do more.”
Angela Preston, fundraising manager with RNIB Scotland, said: “Hazel was so disappointed not to be able to do the main Edinburgh Kiltwalk this year and last year that we got a special dispensation from the organisers. The Kiltwalk loved the fact we are bringing the Wee Wander to Hazel and sent us a medal to present to her at the end.
“On the day of the Edinburgh Kiltwalk, itself, on September 15th we have 55 people signed up to wear the RNIB team colours, 13 of whom will be doing ‘The Mighty Stride’ option of 24 miles. It’s just wonderful to have so many people committed to ensuring that those who are blind or partially sighted can also enjoy the pleasure of a good book.”
* You can support Hazel’s Corstorphine Community Talking Books drive at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/corstorphinetbooks
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