A blindfolded walk around a Hertfordshire charity’s grounds has raised over £1,000 to help people living with visual impairment across the county.

Around 150 people voluntarily put on blindfolds to give up their sight for the sensory walk, which started at The WoodSide Centre in Welwyn Garden City, on Saturday, June 10.

Guests either achieved personal sponsorship or paid a £5 entry fee to enter the Walk a Mile in My Shoes event, which marked the new name of the Hertfordshire Society for the Blind.

The renamed Herts Vision Loss was chosen after listening to people who are visually impaired or blind, and received £1,100 from the walk.

Chief executive Joanna Carter said: “It was so good to see so many people on the day.

“Their support means we are able to help fund projects like our employment programme, and CycleEyes - the charity’s upcoming tandem cycling initiative to improve the health and physical wellbeing of our clients.”

She added: “It’s one thing being told what sight loss is like but it is something completely different to surrender your vision, and experience first-hand the challenge that visually impaired people face on a daily basis.”

Lynne Sparks, mayor of Welwyn Hatfield said: “It was a genuine honour to be asked to open this event and mark the charity’s new name.

“There were many thoughts going through my head during and after my blindfolded walk, but above all, I think the sense of vulnerability I felt really hit home.

“I am really pleased to support a charity that works so hard to help people in Hertfordshire who are living with vision loss.”

Visit hertsvisionloss.org.uk for more information about vision loss and Herts Vision Loss services.