Blackpool resident with sight loss takes plunge for RNIB

George Buckley, 65, is encouraging others to take part in a tandem skydive to raise money for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) after taking on the challenge in September.

He signed up for The Big Jump to give back to the charity after receiving advice from RNIB when he was registered partially sighted.

George lost his left eye in a car accident in 1979 and has since been diagnosed with glaucoma in his right eye.

George, who is a retired roofer, said: “I’ve never done a skydive before, and jumped at the chance to try something new whilst raising money for RNIB. They provided me with great advice at a time when I needed them most; it gives me peace of mind to know they’re always there to help.

“I was so excited about the jump. Having been a roofer for 40 years, heights aren’t an issue for me. The skydive itself was exhilarating and a great experience, something that I’ll never forget.”

George raised a total of £1,250, which will go towards RNIB’s work in smashing the barriers that still exist in society for blind and partially sighted people.

RNIB will be holding more Big Jump skydive events across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on Saturday 28 March 2020. George is calling on others to take the plunge and sign up to support others with sight loss.

“To anyone toying with the idea of taking part in a skydive, I would 100 per cent say go for it. It’s truly a once in a lifetime experience, and better still that you’ll also be supporting a worthy cause.”

Lizzi Wagner, Senior Challenge Events Manager at RNIB, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to George for taking part in the 2019 Big Jump. It was a fantastic event that wouldn’t have been possible without his support and fantastic fundraising efforts.

“We’re extremely excited to be offering people across the country the chance to make the leap to support people with sight loss. The money raised from this thrill of a lifetime opportunity will help RNIB continue to break down barriers for people living with sight loss across the country. Don’t waste a moment and sign up today!”

The Big Jump 2023 will be taking place on Wednesday the 1st of March at 19 locations across the UK. The registration fee is £70, with those interested in taking part needing to pledge to raise £475 in order to take part. This also covers the cost of the skydive.

For more information and to sign up, visit www.rnib.org.uk/the-big-jump.

Notes to editors

All media enquiries to Emily Peachey on 0203 829 2917 or [email protected]. Or, for urgent enquiries out-of-hours, please call 07968 482812.

About RNIB

We are the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

Every six minutes, someone in the UK begins to lose their sight. RNIB is taking a stand against exclusion, inequality and isolation to create a world without barriers where people with sight loss can lead full lives. A different world where society values blind and partially sighted people not for the disabilities they’ve overcome, but for the people they are.

RNIB. See differently.

Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk