Partially sighted Farington Moss grandfather holds funds-raising evening for Machu Picchu mission

James Coulton, a granddad-of-two, is holding the event at Deepdale Labour Club, Skeffington Road, Preston, on Saturday, February 29, at 7-30pm.

The proceeds will help him reach his target of £3,850 needed for the five-day trek, which is being held in support of sight loss charity, Galloway's.

The fund-raising evening will feature a singer, a raffle and an auction, with prizes including a two nights’ stay at a hotel in Windermere, a day of outdoor activities for six people at Water Park Lakeland Adventure Centre and a PNE family ticket.

James, who is outdoor activities and audio services coordinator for the charity, said: “I first started to lose my sight in November 2002. I went from being able to drive to being registered as partially sighted and it was quite devastating. Everything I had known had come to an end. I just wanted to sit in my room and listen to the TV."

The 51-year-old had reasonably good eyesight until the age of 17 to 18 when he had a cataracts operation.

He first turned to Galloway’s in January 2003 and tried their life-changing outdoor activities, like canoeing and kayaking, before attending a residential week to the Lakes that October.

He added: “Galloway’s means a massive amount to me. It has helped to rebuild my life and given me confidence and independence.

To make a donation, please visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=JamesCoulton_TrekPeru2020&pageUrl=2