Scaling dizzy heights
Twelve-year-old Rowan Garel has been blind for as long as he can remember. Throughout this time our partner the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired (BCVI) has been supporting him.
When in 2010 BCVI faced the likelihood of not being able to carry out their annual summer camp for blind children, Rowan decided he would try and do something about it. These camps are BCVI’s most valuable service: teaching young people who are blind or visually impaired useful skills for living with their disability.
“The summer camp lost some major funding, so I thought what about the other kids?” said Rowan. “I have my parents’ support, but the others come from less and are not as fortunate as us.”
And so he decided to fundraise for the organisation, by climbing one of the highest mountains in Belize! At 3,675 feet high, and a terrain of tropical rainforest, this would pose a challenge for the most experienced of hikers. But in March Rowan and his dad completed the epic journey in under five days.
“We walked long distances to prepare,” said Rowan. “But the city of Belize doesn’t have hills... That was a pretty big drawback! I thought the climb would be a little steep, but WOW! I have respect for that mountain.”
So far he has raised 33,000 Belizean dollars (£10,000) for BCVI, and this year's summer camp will go ahead - which Rowan is so pleased about.
“I really appreciate the support I’ve got from everyone who’s donated to BCVI. I can’t even begin to tell you how BCVI have helped me over the years! They’ve provided all the equipment I need as well as mental support. Just because you’re blind, doesn’t mean you’re an invalid.”
Click below to see a photo gallery of Rowan's climb, and you can also visit his blog to find out more or to make a donation to BCVI.
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