Eat well, live well
Fundraising Ball for Speed of Sight charity
The charity Speed of Sight continues to successfully provide driving opportunities for those usually unable to get behind the wheel.
It was founded by Mike Newman, a blind driver who has a host of World Records to his name, not to mention being awarded the British Empire Medal in last year’s New Year’s Honours list.
Celebration and support
In order to celebrate their work and raise more funds for the charity, they have announced the “Driving Legends Charity Ball 2024,”
This grand event is scheduled for Saturday, 6th April 2024. The setting is the picturesque De Vere Cranage Estate near Holmes Chapel.
The evening promises a delightful three-course meal, paired with wine, live entertainment, and exciting competitions fostering camaraderie among attendees.
It’s a fantastic cause, that provides amazing opportunities for the less fortunate. The organisers are keen to see the driver training, motoring and road safety professions represented and enjoying the evening too. As well as fine food refreshments and entertainments, this is a great way to network, support and perhaps even get further involved with the charity and its valuable work.
For comprehensive information about the event, as well as ticket bookings, click here.
Passion and persistence
Mike is an inspiring character in the motoring world and has often attended our industry conferences. Having been born totally blind, but with a passion for cars, it was soon an ambition to become a racing driver.
‘Super Human, Mike Newman’ faced a huge number of challenges in his quest, not least the fact that no blind person in history had raced cars. But disabled doesn’t mean he’s unable to Mike.
He worked tirelessly to live his dream and, through grit and determination he got behind the wheel.
Sharing the love
Fast-forward and Mike is a nine times World Record holder and currently the fastest blind man on both land and water on the planet.
Knowing the challenges blind and disabled people face, coupled with his love and exhilaration for driving, he set up Speed of Sight to help other disabled people experience driving.
What’s more, they provide activities such as corporate days where staff and/or clients are blindfolded. This way they can share the experience, the fun and the sense of achievement it provides to the blind who drive. It also increases awareness of difficulties faced by disability while encouraging essential team building skills, such as trust and communication.
Record holder
His personal achievements include:
2001 – Motorbike speed record: 89mph on an Aprilia bike
2003 – Car land speed record: 144mph in a Jaguar XJR
2005 – Car land speed record: 176mph in a BMW M5
2011 – Aerial record flying the most loop-de-loops
2013 – Car land speed record: 186mph in a Porsche GT2
2013 – Water speed record: 93mph in a Silverline Racing Boat
2014 – Car land speed record: 200mph in a Nissan GTR
2015 – Truck land speed record: 120mph in a Man Racing Truck
2017 - Water speed record: 102mph in a Silverline Racing Boat.
Speed of sight
If you would like to know more about this worthy charity, or to make a donation, possibly get involved or buy tickets to enjoy this fabulous evening, just pop over to the Speed of Sight website.
