Phillip Chapman

Climbing some of the highest peaks in Wales, mountain biking for 20 miles and paddling across a reservoir on a self-made raft would be challenging enough for anyone. But when you're nearly blind - like York's Peter Holdstock - there are a few more mountains to climb.

Peter Holdstock with his guide dog Nixon Picture: Mike Tipping

The adventurous 23-year-old has signed up for the Brecon Challenge to raise money for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association - weeks after taking on his own guide dog, Nixon.

Peter, of Plantation Way, is committed to raising at least £500 for the cause which has already given him a new best friend.

He said: "Loads of people have told me I must be mad to be doing this. The SAS train in the area we're going to because it's tough terrain.

"I will be tandem mountain-biking for 20 miles then hill walking for another 20 miles, before building a craft to take us across the reservoir.

"I've been warned about how hard it's going to be but I'm going to have some good partners in my group.

"I'm not all that fit at the moment but the challenge isn't until June so I'm going to get down the gym."

Peter is partly going through his arduous challenge by way of thanks for Nixon.

"My relationship with Nixon is going very well. I've recently been getting nervous crossing the road, but he helps me out. He's changed my life really," he said.

Peter lost his sight at the age of 16, after contracting a disease called toxoplasmosis, and now he says he can just about make out shapes.

His trial starts early on the morning of Saturday, June 10, when he will ascend the Pen y Fan peak and come down the Gwaun Taf escarpment.

By 11am he will start his 20-mile tandem mountain bike ride before rafting across the Pontsticill reservoir.

Sheila Hemingway, secretary of the York and district branch of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, said: "What Peter is doing is fantastic. The sighted members of our group are raising £1,000 and if Peter matches their sponsorship it would be a real feather in his cap."

Jon Scourse, the charity's fundraising director, said: "We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience life to the full and we are committed to helping visually-impaired people do just that."

To find out more about the Brecon Challenge, or to offer Peter support, contact 01539 737500.

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