Few people could claim they have walked form Vincentia to Kiama in a week, and even fewer could claim to do so while being legally blind.
But Old Erowal Bay’s David Gillard can now put his name to both of those after completing the approximately 100 kilometre walk from Vincentia to the Kiama Blowhole over four days recently.
David, 58, lives with retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic condition that causes cells in the retina to degenerate. David took on the walk as a way to support Vision Australia and other blindness and low vision organisations who have supported him.
“This was a way to thank Vision Australia and others like Guide Dogs NSW for getting me here,” David said.
“I’ve probably been training in the gym and that sort of thing for nine months, but the technology training with Vision Australia and other training with Guide Dogs has been going on for years to get me to where I am today,” he said.
Over the four days, David relied on his white canes and GPS technology to guide him.
“The only bit I couldn’t do on foot was crossing Currambene Creek. I had to get a lift across there, but the rest of the way from where we started at Vincentia was mainly on footpaths, sand or coastal tracks.
“The hardest bit was probably the last stretch between Gerringong and Kiama on the coastal track, but I had the goal and determination and never wanted to give up.”
Providing added motivation for David were the words of his late wife Julie, who passed away last year.
“When my wife passed away, she left me a letter. She wanted me to carry on and keep learning things like my white cane skills so I could be independent, so this was something I wanted to do for her as well.”
So far David has raised more than $2,700 towards his goal of $4,000 to split between the organisations that have supported him.