Kate Healey is a blind sailor and Winchester resident who has two transatlantic voyages under her belt.

Clearly not afraid of a challenge, on July 13 she will be abseiling down the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth to fundraise for sightless charity Southampton Sight.

The charity supports people living with sight loss to live independent lives. They help individuals build skills and gain access to helpful technologies.Kate used to work for the charity providing education to school children in Southampton about sight loss as well as giving sight loss awareness sessions to other organisations.

Kate still supports the charity and sees fundraising for them as “my way of giving back. If I hadn’t met them I wouldn’t’ have my passion for sailing”.

She is an avid sailor and it was the charity that sparked her passion originally. Her abseiling is made additionally challenging after a sailing accident last September where she broke her neck. The accident has not stopped her from following her passion and she is still as enthusiastic for sailing as she was before.

Kate said “being out on the water gives me freedom and independence. I know there are limits to what I can do, I know I can’t drive a car.

“Sailing gives me the opportunity to push away barriers that society places on sight loss, I even do it myself sometimes. You know not many people can say they’ve completed two transatlantic voyages.”

Kate hopes to inspire others to live life to the max and push themselves out of their comfort zone. She also wants to spread awareness for sight loss and Southampton Sight and the work they tirelessly do to provide resources and support.

Their costs come from the activities they provide including weekly swimming at £20 per lane, children’s activity days at Woodmill at £45 and £148 will cover kayaking sessions over the summer.

Her just giving can be found here. All proceeds go to Southampton Sight.