A VOLUNTEER for the charity Guide Dogs has completed a 24 hour blindfold challenge.

Dave Skinner, aged 40, was inspired by Fred Hernandez, for whom Dave was a guide under the charity’s scheme, My Guide, which aims to help blind and partially-sighted people gain their independence.

As well as everyday tasks, part of the challenge was for Dave to be guided by Fred.

"Guiding Fred made me realise just how many obstacles blind and partially sighted people face on a day to day basis. As a sighted person you take for granted the everyday tasks you do from getting up in the morning to going to bed at night,” said Dave, from Leigh.

“I found the experience a great challenge. The simplest things suddenly become a real task such as making a hot drink, putting toothpaste on a brush, matching clothes.

“Not being able to see people's facial expressions and body language when talking made it very difficult to have a conversation.”

For more information contact the Manchester Mobility Team, the staff based at the Guide Dogs Training School in Atherton, on 0845 372 7409.