Kettering man sets off on 10-million step fundraiser to help people with sight loss in Northamptonshire

A Kettering man who has lost most of his sight has embarked on a 10-million step fundraising journey to help others in the county facing sight loss.

Carl Peach, 59, a client of Northamptonshire Association For The Blind (NAB), will attempt to walk 27,000 steps every day for a year.

He was inspired to complete the challenge by the support he received from NAB’s support workers, and to demonstrate that sight loss doesn't mean giving up on your ‘independence and drive’.

Carl kicked off the 4,000-mile fundraising challenge – the equivalent distance from Kettering to Cuba – with a midnight walk around Pitsford Reservoir, marking the first of the many steps.

The dad-of-two said: “It’s a heady mixture of nervous anticipation. Every step I take will count towards the goal. I’m walking on a treadmill at the gym and organising group walks where people can join me. The last day (March 31, 2025) we’ll have a big party.”

Carl's sight began to deteriorate suddenly just under a year ago. Following a routine eye-test, his doctors discovered an hereditary and incurable defect in his optic nerve.

As a result, he now lives with a permanent ‘visual blizzard’ that has left him with difficulties navigating the world and performing the simplest of tasks.

He said: “I’ve faced many challenges throughout my life – blindness is proving to be one of the hardest. I’ve chosen to embrace this latest challenge and keep striding forward regardless.”

The #TenMillionSteps campaign is born out of Carl's personal journey and the help and support he received from NAB. He would like the community to join him on his ‘journey’, whether by walking alongside him, following his progress, or donating to the cause.

Special walks, including a trek along the Brampton Valley Way from Market Harborough to Northampton, are planned throughout the year, offering a chance for supporters to participate in this remarkable journey.

Funds raised through the #TenMillionSteps campaign will ensure that NAB can continue its work in the county.

To follow Carl's progress, join him on his walks, or to make a donation, visit https://bit.ly/3TL6V0S or https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/10millionstepchallenge.