Visually impaired Ten Tors walker says 'dream big'

A visually impaired teenager who completed a 35-mile route across Dartmoor in a walking challenge says people should "dream big and don't give up no matter how hard things get".

Thirteen-year-old Alfie was part of a team from the Carrick Deg Karn Explorer Scouts, based in east Cornwall, as part of the Ten Tors Challenge at the weekend.

He said the best way to describe his changeable condition, Nystagmus, was that his eyes moved around in circles and some days the movement sped up and others it slowed down.

He said: "I find it quite hard mentally because I can't see how far away a tor [rock formation] might be. It might be one mile away, but to me it looks three miles away, so it is really tough."

Other people with condition include TV presenter and author Richard Osman.

Alfie said there were moments where he wanted to drop out, but, when he got to the final tor, his team mates and the thought of going home got him through.

Asked what advice he would give to others, he said: "No one's going to stop you.

"Dream big and don't give up no matter how wet it is, how sunny it is, how hard it is. Just get through it and, when it gets tough, think about your reason why."

Ten Tors director Col Jim Bird, of the Army, which organises the event, also gave the team a special recognition at the finish line on Sunday afternoon.

It was the 64th year of the two-day challenge, which saw 2,800 teenagers aged between 14 and 19 attempt to navigate themselves unaided in teams of four or six across routes of 35, 45 or 55 miles (56, 72 or 88km), with an overnight stay on the moor.

The Jubilee Challenge was also held, seeing participants with special educational and physical needs also complete routes of up to 15 miles (24km); as well the Dartmoor Granite Challenge, which included an overnight stay.

Alfie's mum Melanie said anyone could succeed with the right adaptations.

She said: "They've never had a young person with a visual impairment complete any distance in the Ten Tors, so it's absolutely a first.

"Without everybody in the team playing their part, they wouldn't have got through it."

She said the group was well prepared by team leaders and had built strong bonds and friendships throughout the training.

Dad James said Alfie could not have done it without his team, adding they did not realise how much they helped, which led to their success.

Also waiting at the finish line with supporters was Alfie's "buddy dog", part of a scheme from the Guide Dogs Association.

James described the scheme as providing dogs that did not "make the cut" as a guide dog, but were there for children with sight loss, helping to build self-confidence, improve relationships and build a greater sense of trust.

He described the association as "unsung heroes", adding it had helped their family in many ways.

James added: "Alfie is an advocate for himself but he just doesn't know it yet."

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