FOR most people one Parkrun is more than enough but Cliffe Tribe is tackling ten in aid of Dorset Blind Association… and he’s doing it all whilst blindfolded.

His challenge began on April 30 and will run for ten weeks with nine Parkruns taking place throughout Dorset, including in Bridport and Blandford, plus a tenth in the New Forest.

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Cliffe, a keen runner, has spent the last three years running as a guide to the visually impaired David Edwards. This time, however, it will be the 64-year-old who is tackling the runs blindfolded and, to make it even harder, seven of the routes will be completely new for him and his guide John Baker.

Cliffe said the fundraiser posed unsuspected challenges for both him and John.

He said: “I of course have absolutely no understanding what it is to be visually impaired so at first my other senses were completely confused. For John, there will be no relaxation on each run. He must consider geography, terrain, weather conditions and his own desire to keep me safe.”

The challenge is seeking to raise £1,000 for Dorset Blind Association and is extra special given DBA had to postpone their centenary celebrations as a result of the pandemic.

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Cliffe, who lives in the east of the county, said: “I felt so sad for them that they couldn’t celebrate their birthday because of Covid so it’s about raising awareness for Dorset Blind. It’s so hard to raise money at the best of times but the response we’ve had from the Parkrun community has been amazing: to see the local community supporting a local charity is wonderful.”

The remarkable fundraiser began with humble hopes of “finishing it and not getting hurt” but Cliffe said the challenge had provided him with a renewed sense of ambition for change.

He said: “The mental health crisis we have in this country is profound and I believe it is something that really needs looking at. Obviously we’re looking at the niche impact of mental health on the visually impaired and I’m learning an awful lot about that.

“Every run has given me something new to think about. It’s given me the most unbelievable trust with John and, until you do it, you don’t ever experience anything like that.”

To find out more visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/davidsguide-blindfoldchallenge?fbclid=IwAR3u78fNgTd5lfYl-S3eelP3-LuF0le3lCEDxfPw-zWWBrhp07HvQQ8VFxk