Greenwich visually impaired man walks 485 miles for RNIB charity

In April, Actor Richard Simpson began a 485-mile trail walking over various different terrains and mountainous regions with only the aid of his white cane and occasional aid from fellow walkers on the trail.

Richard has walked the most popular route for the Camino de Santiago - the Camino Francés path.

The Spanish trail stretches 485 miles from France to Northern Spain and is an ancient pilgrimage trail attracting thousands of walkers every year.

Richard officially finished the walk on May 8 and was awarded his certificate after arriving at Santiago Cathedral.

Richard Simpson has walked over 400 miles of the 485-mile trail. (Image: Richard Simpson)

He told the News Shopper: “I did it independently, I'm walking alone.

“But a lot of pilgrims have helped me over the more difficult paths on the mountains.

“The people in Spain have been very helpful and have recognised that I’m visually impaired from my cane.

“I'm seriously sight impaired, but to walk along the paths is quite easy. It's just climbing the mountains which is difficult.”

Richard lost 80 per cent of his sight four years ago due to Glaucoma and has said that the money raised will go towards a charity that has supported him on his sight loss journey.

Richard said: “The RNIB supported me when I lost most of my sight four years ago.

“Their helpline was very supportive, and I’ve gotten a lot of use out of their audiobook service.

“In fact, I’ve been listening to them as I walk this trail, so it's nice to put a bit of money back into it.”

Since losing his sight Richard has taken part in other physical activities to raise money for RNIB and believes that other’s living with sight loss like him should explore their own capabilities.

Richard said: “Don't think about doing something, go do it.

“There's lots of people out there who think about it, but don't do it.

But don’t think, just do, you'll find a way.”

Last year Richard independently kayaked from Lechlade-on-Thames to Greenwich and has also previously walked from Lands’ End to john O’Groats to raise money for charity.

Richard Simpson previously kayaked the Thames last year to raise money for the RNIB charity. (Image: Richard Simpson)

The actor has managed to raise just over £6,400 on his JustGiving page, with hopes that the final figure will increase by the time he completes the 485-mile trail.

However, the walk isn’t simply about raising money, and Richard hopes that sharing and documenting his experiences on social media will inspire others like him to take on the trail themselves.

Richard said: “I've only met one other disabled person on this trip.

“It'd be nice if more disabled people, particularly visually impaired people, came and did it.

“Because with some support it could be possible, a lot of the pathways are well maintained and have been pretty accessible for me with my cane.

“It's just a question of persuading people to come out and have a go.

Richard has been documenting his progress on Instagram (Image: Richard Simpson)

“My goal for the future would be to get a group of visually impaired people out here to all do it together in September next year.”

Head of Supporter Led Fundraising at RNIB, Chris Perrin said: “We would like to wish Richard the best of luck with this challenge.

“He has conquered countless fundraising challenges in aid of RNIB and we are incredibly thankful for all he has raised for the charity so far.

"Please dig deep and support Richard on this epic challenge.”