THIS month, News Shopper is supporting the Royal London Society for Blind People and Blind Independence Greenwich in their bid to raise £24,000 in just 24 hours with events across the borough.

It's an enormous challenge to raise £24,000 in the space of a day but Dr Tom Pey is confident it can be achieved.

And the chief executive of the Royal London Society for Blind People is making a statement of intent by scaling Up at The O2 later this month to officially launch the Great Greenwich Give.

The feat is part of the build-up to July 24 when organisers hope hundreds of people will get involved, raising money for a charity which helps so many people who are partially sighted or blind in Greenwich borough.

Dr Pey, a dad-of-four and former investment banker who lost his own sight when he was 39, said: "My only fear in life is I've got a total fear of heights. When you couple that with the fact that I can't see then this is going to be a one step at a time feat.

"If you hear a blind man crying from the top of The O2, that's me."

He said: "We want to help fund a nursery for blind young people in Greenwich. This is a place where parents with blind children can bring them so they can be observed and supervised in the nursery.

"But, more importantly, we'll support mum and dad because it's a very traumatic thing to find your child can't see properly."

He added: "I'd ask people in Greenwich to please do anything they can, by turning up to support us or simply, instead of buying a cup of coffee or having a pint on the way home, donate that money to the RLSB."

Get involved

The fundraising campaign will take place on July 24 and residents can request a free fundraising pack by calling 020 7808 6183, emailing lianne.howard-dace@rlsb.org.uk or visiting rlsb.org.uk/greenwich

It is full of easy ways for people to get involved in raising money and having fun at the same time.

You can give £4 to the appeal by texting GREENWICH to 70030.

Community and events fundraising manager Lianne Howard-Dace, explained: "Our community services are a vital lifeline for blind people of all ages across the borough.

"They provide practical support, advice, friendship and much more.

"Without them many people would face isolation and loneliness.

"I’m asking Greenwich people to show their generosity and help keep these services running.

"Please get in touch and request your free fundraising pack today."

RLSB services in Greenwich

- A drop-in nursery in Eltham gives specialist care to visually impaired toddlers and offers a lifeline for parents learning how to give their blind child the best start in life. 

- Peer groups give blind young people aged 11 to 18 the opportunity to socialise, which is vital for preventing isolation, and developing their independent living skills.

- A new partnership with Charlton Athletic Community Trust will offer blind and visually impaired people aged 12 to 19 a variety of activities such as sport, outings, art and cookery, to help their personal development.

- Blind Independence Greenwich offers friendship and practical day-to-day help and advice, as well as a packed calendar of social events, trips and get-togethers to blind and visually impaired adults in the borough.