John Churcher and guide dog Daisy
John Churcher
Former Team GB Paraclimber John Churcher, from Birmingham, has been chosen as one of the baton bearers for the Commonwealth Games.
John is registered as deafblind, has several international medals and was the first blind person to summit the Eiger (a 13,015ft mountain of the Bernese Alps).
John said: “It’s a real honour to be a baton bearer, it’s a moment that will always stay with me.”
John will be carrying the baton on 26th July, two days before the opening ceremony, with guide dog Daisy.
“Daisy is my third guide dog. She’s great, she’s really clever and has great instincts.”
John, together with best friend Lauren, supports visually impaired climbers and provides advice on how centres and instructors can make climbing more accessible.
“Although I’m not on the team anymore, I’m continuing to support and promote climbing for people with disabilities, in particular with visual impairment.
“We want to show people they can still have adventures; it doesn’t have to be a big mountain. Your first adventure if you have sight loss could even just be to the local shops. Those first steps getting out there and being active could make you think, what else can I do?”
Clare Williams and Quita
Clare Williams
Clare Williams from Smethwick has also been nominated to be a baton bearer in the Queen’s Baton Relay for the Commonwealth Games.
Clare, who has a guide dog called Quita, said: “I am so honoured, proud and excited. Quita and I will carry the baton proudly for everyone with sight loss to celebrate just what we can do.
“I knew I wanted to volunteer at the Commonwealth Games. I wanted to help show Birmingham at its best, ensure that visitors were welcomed and helped to have a great time.”
Clare says she is keen to ensure that people with visual impairments have the same access and opportunities as everyone else. She said: “my guide dog gives me the freedom, confidence and ability to do the things I want to do, and we love a challenge”.
Clare will be carrying the baton on 25th July through Sandwell, West Midlands.
Guide Dogs is here to help the two million people in the UK living with sight loss live the life they choose. More than 36,000 lives have been transformed through a guide dog partnership since 1931.
To find out more about the charity, visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk.
