FOOTBALL fans who tried to walk blindfolded the equivalent of a marathon say their attitude to those who cannot see has changed as a result.

Supporters of 1874 Northwich attempted to complete enough laps of a course around Marbury Country Park to cover a 27-mile distance.

As well as raising awareness, they collected between them more than £3,000 to be split between two charities; Blind Veterans UK and Guide Dogs.

“We were warned it was an impossible challenge,” said organiser Tony Rogers.

“But what would have been the point of a possible one? This event has opened our eyes to the enormous physical, mental and emotional barriers in front of blind and partially-sighted people.

“Those who took part in the walk will never forget it.”

Rogers, a volunteer at the North West Counties League club, is a former soldier.

He served for more than two decades with the 1st Battalion of the 22nd Cheshire Regiment and later the Mercian Regiment.

“I wanted there to be a connection between the civilian and military worlds because of my background, so it made sense to pick those two causes to support,” he said.

Soldiers from the 4th Battalion of the Mercian Regiment joined the supporters on the trek.

Two of them – Lt Matt Styles and Pte Bob Needham – completed a marathon distance wearing a blindfold, with a sighted guide.

Maggie Nixon, a follower of the newly-formed club, matched their feat.

She said: “For me, the hardest part was when we stopped [for a break]. I knew I was in a group of people, but not who was around me or whether they would reply if I spoke.

“The inability to make eye contact hampered my desire to communicate. If I take nothing else from the experience, I think understanding that feeling of remoteness and isolation will stick with me.”

Lt Styles said he was proud to have taken part.

He added: “After I had been walking for three hours I wondered if I’d bitten off more than I could chew as the constant left and right, up and down disorientated me.

“It was dawning on me what impact losing my sight might have on my loved ones as well as my own pride.”

Many fans managed part of the challenge, including the club’s football secretary Vicki England.

She said: “To walk in complete darkness, with your life in your walking partner’s hands, was a little frightening. 

“The next couple of hours were unbelievable; emotional and humbling. It reminded us to be forever grateful that we have our sight.”

Rogers hoped initially to raise £1,000, a target the group has trebled.

He added: “More than the money, we wanted to highlight the difficulties blind and partially-sighted people have every day. I think we managed that.

“It was an ambitious event, but I’m just so glad we went for it.”

Event organiser Tony Rogers wishes to thank Chris Wood, from Your Sports Therapist in Northwich, and South Cheshire College physiotherapy students Fiona Notman, Emma Gwynne and Simon Henderson for their voluntary support during the challenge.