UKC

Hi, we're attempting to organise a sponsored [blindfolded] hill-climb of Skiddaw in aid of Action for Blind and Keswick Mountain Rescue. We're thinking of heading up the main tourist path from Laterigg car park after shuttling people up from Keswick centre. People taking part will be escorted up by a partner of their choice who will act as they "eyes". All people going up will be effectivly herded up as one group to ensure safety and minimise stragglers. Total people attempting it should be no more than 20.
Anyone have any experience of attempting to organise such and event? Hints or tips? Thoughts? Im doing the usual risk assessment of the event (yawn). We've also consulted with MR and also the National Park who are all ok with this.

In reply to nightmonkeyuk:

I've got no experience or helpful tips, but that sounds like a great idea!

In reply to nightmonkeyuk:

Have you tried asking Action for Blind what they suggest?

In reply to nightmonkeyuk: Good luck, good idea. Have you thought about asking the charity whether anyone who is actually blind or partially sighted to join you as well? Would add a new element to it.

In reply to Winterbotty:

Cracking idea. I cant beleive we didnt think of that!

In reply to nightmonkeyuk:

I would insist on blindfoldees wearing boots with proper ankle support

In reply to trouserburp:
Most definitly. Although i had a major sulk on when i was told to do a risk assessment on it (nanny state...grumble mumble) it is all started to make sense after writing it all down.

In reply to nightmonkeyuk:

Action for Blind or the RNIB (I know, different charity!) may even be able to supply you with different types of blindfolds simulating the different types of blindness. Few people who are registered blind are 100% blind, it might be a good way of seeing what it's like for those with different 'types' of blindness? Have fun!

In reply to nightmonkeyuk:
So on the dreaded risk assessment i have:
Adverse weather at start of event
Adverse weather during event
Injury of particpant
Nav problems or participant getting lost

What else?

In reply to nightmonkeyuk:
Maybe you should expand upon how they're going to get injured. Also you might have participants giving up half-way, maybe there are particular hazards on the route like streams.
Is it for insurance purposes or for real safety benefit?

In reply to trouserburp:
No, its for genuine safety concerns. I'd also not want burden MRT through bad-management and lack of planning/forethought. There's enough people doing that up the Lakes without me adding to it!
The main injuries i would anticipate would be lower limb injuries (strained ankles etc) due to slips and trips.
No particular hazrds on route - I've picked this path as its pretty straight forward all the way up, no stream crossings and doesnt involve any edges/drops etc. Its also not too rough underfoot.
We'd have a number of designated marshalls accompanying the group up so that if we did get any quitters we could escort them down, or weather premitting let them sit it out and be met by the group on the way down. Overall plan would be not to have people wandering off on their own.

In reply to nightmonkeyuk: Have you spoke to the Calvert-trust ? they organise a lot of disabled events and fund raisers in the lakes district, they could have some info ?

In reply to nightmonkeyuk:

Sounds as safe as possible without cotton-wool to me