A step forward (From Stroud News and Journal)

A step forward

A BLIND woman who had to fight to join her local gym has celebrated winning the battle by rowing, racing and cycling 6,000 metres for charity.

When Sue Allard, 49, from Ebley, first tried to exercise at Stratford Park leisure centre she was told her membership would be a health and safety risk.

But two years down the line and after a change of company management she has achieved peak fitness levels.

And last week she completed a sponsored triathlon to raise money for the magazine she co-edits for visually impaired people.

Sue said: "I hope I can encourage people not to think they can't do things because they have a visual impairment. "If you stick at it, anything is possible."

Like many people with vision problems, Sue stopped exercising as her eyesight deteriorated.

She said: "Everything slows down. "Even if you are used to walking, you don't walk at speed any more.

"It's great to be able to go to the gym. "And the staff have been really supportive - I'm very grateful to them."

Sue helps to produce Modern Eyes - a monthly magazine in large print or Braille for some of Gloucestershire's 2,500 blind and partially sighted residents. Sue hopes to raise £250 towards printing costs.

In the future Sue and co-editor Viv Timbrell would like to put the magazine on audio cassette.

To find out more about the publication or make a donation contact Sue on 01453 757047.

More Stroud stories in this week's SNJ.