August 15th 2024.
Michael Smith, a 33-year-old man from Finsbury Park in north London, and his 38-year-old boss, Jack Stacy, who lives in London Bridge, are embarking on a unique challenge. They will attempt to conquer 24 mountain peaks in just 24 hours as a way to show that Smith, who is blind, is capable of pushing his body to the limit just like anyone else.
The duo has chosen to take on this challenge in support of SeeAbility, a charity that provides assistance to individuals with sight loss, learning disabilities, or autism. Their goal is to raise £150,000 for this important cause. Smith, who has been living with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy for 15 years, has only about 10% of his vision remaining. He will be relying on Stacy's guidance and support as they tackle the challenging terrain of the Lake District, including England's tallest peak, Scafell Pike, on September 7th and 8th.
Smith sees this challenge as a metaphor for life, showcasing the importance of both advanced technology and human connection in overcoming obstacles. He explained to reporters, "In a great way, it's a metaphor showing people in life that you've got all this great technology out there to help people now who can't see terribly well, but you always need that human touch with you." Trust is key in this endeavor, as Smith will need to place his full trust in Stacy's guidance during their grueling 24-hour journey. He acknowledges that communication, focus, and concentration will be crucial throughout the entire challenge.
Smith first noticed his vision deteriorating while studying at Barts and The London School of Medicine, where he struggled to see the ball while playing football. After being diagnosed with LHON at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London, he feared that he would not be able to lead a fulfilling life. However, with the support of SeeAbility, he was able to return to university and pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer.
Stacy, who has been the chairman of SeeAbility for one year, was inspired to take on this challenge in honor of the charity's 225th anniversary. He acknowledges that the physical demands of the challenge will be difficult, but the most challenging part will be effectively communicating with Smith throughout the entire day. "We spend a lot of time together already, but this is going to push us to the limit," Stacy said. "The hardest thing for me, I think, is it's going to be a physically demanding challenge, but I'm going to have to be looking out for both Michael and I, telling him where to park his feet at every moment up and down."
Smith hopes that his journey will serve as an inspiration to others with sight loss and disabilities, showing that with determination and support, anything is possible. "I want to just show, despite my lack of sight, with a bit of help from Jack, I can summit 24 peaks and push my body to the limit like everyone else can," he said. The duo is determined to complete this extraordinary feat and raise awareness and funds for SeeAbility in the process.
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