A Glasgow woman has raised almost £33,500 for a charity for the blind this year - after waking up one day without her sight.
Elizabeth O'Hara from Penilee persuaded friends, family and even complete strangers to join her on one of the four Kiltwalks that take place each year in Scotland to raise funds for Talking Books for the blind provided by RNIB.
Her motivation is close to home. Elizabeth, 50, lost her own sight to diabetic retinopathy and other health conditions.
The money she and her fellow walkers have raised will fund more Talking Books by RNIB, of which she is an active volunteer. An eager reader herself, she knows the difference RNIB's Talking Books library can make to the lives of people who are blind or partially sighted.
Elizabeth said: "I literally woke up blind one morning.
"Right now, I can't see anything with my left eye and have a little residual vision in my right.
"RNIB helped me a great deal when I lost my sight," she says. "That's why I decided to do all four Kiltwalks this year to raise funds for Talking Books. I couldn't imagine not being able to read the same books that everyone else does."
Elizabeth's guide-dog Kiki joined her on the treks. The Kiltwalks allow anyone to raise funds for the charities and causes they care about, which receive a 40 per cent top-up from The Hunter Foundation.
Suzanne McColl, fundraising manager for RNIB Scotland, praised Elizabeth's key role.
She said: "Elizabeth was tireless in her efforts to engage with all four Kiltwalks this year.
"She organised, persuaded, inspired and accompanied people taking part in support of Talking Books. That, together, we've all been able to raise such a fantastic amount in total is in no small part thanks to her.
"We would also thank the various commercial companies whose staff have volunteered their efforts for us as well. We have received magnificent support from Shell Aberdeen, Aberdeen Standard Investments, the Department of Work and Pensions' Edinburgh office, Sainsbury's Bank and RBS Gogarburn.
"Together, they have made a tremendous difference to the lives of people with sight loss."
Want all the latest Glasgow news delivered to your WhatsApp? Text NEWS to 07899711574 and then add the number to your contacts as ‘Glasgow Live’ for a daily dose of the good stuff ...
