An East Riding man who lost his sight after an operation is planning a coastal walk to raise money for the Guide Dogs charity.
Four years ago - Andrew Elliker-Reeve from Beeford, went into hospital for elective surgery to help the blood flow to his legs.
Following the operation, Andrew went into a coma for 10 days and woke to find out he had no colon, no functioning spleen and no sight.
He is now preparing to take on a 245 mile coastal walk from Berwick Upon Tweed to Bridlington later this year, Andrew told us why he's taking on the challenge.
Andrew told us how long he'll be walking for...
The walk will commence on the 9th September, taking in some 12 miles each day, reaching Bridlington 20 days later on the 29th September.
Andrew is now looking for guides to help him complete sections of the walk. Andrew said:
"I've had a few people come forward offering to guide but obviously a lot more needed. Please call me if interested. Believe me it's a lot of fun!"
Andrew's contact details can be found on his "Travelling Blind" Facebook page at
Recalling the surgery that lead to his sight loss Andrew said:
"On 12th February 2020, I went to York Hospital for elective surgery to help the blood flow to my legs.
Some 10 days after the op I came out of a coma with no colon, no functioning spleen and no sight. I've got to admit this came as a hell of a shock!
After going into septic shock in March, I finally came out of hospital in May 4.5 stone lighter than when I went in, in the middle of COVID, wondering if I now had any purpose in life.
My wife Rebecca was presented with a husband who looked 80 (I was 61) with a stoma bag, open stomach wounds, a feeding tube and a drain to remove abscesses from my inactive spleen. With the help of some district nurses at the start, she began nursing me back to health.
Most of May and June I spent asleep but by the end of June I was good for walking at least 100 yards with the aid of a Zimmer frame. Bit by bit my wounds healed over, the drain came out and the peg feed was removed.
By December I felt fitter and mentally strong enough to grab the bull by the horns and start learning to live my life as normally as possible with the disabilities I have and I am still really bad at being blind.
From that point on I have tried to be positive in all my thoughts and with the help of Rebecca and lots of very close friends, life is improving on a daily basis."
Andrew has taken on many challenges since losing his sight including playing Billiards, Swimming, Public Speaking and becoming the first blind man to walk the 79 miles of the Yorkshire Wolds Way, a challenge he completed with the aid of 11 volunteer guides and raised over £5000 for Guide Dogs UK in the process.
Andrew has also completed 110 miles of the Cleveland Way but the Berwick to Bridlington Coastal walk will be his longest walking challenge yet.
To date Andrew has raised £15,556 for Guide Dogs and this year hopes to raise at least another £10000.
Andrew adds :
"We have been lucky enough to have raised sufficient funds to name three Guide Dog puppies, (Skye, Lewis and Barney) and aim to name at least two more this year. Please help us achieve this in any way you can."
Andrew has launched a JustGiving page to support his fundraising efforts which can be found at https://justgiving.com/page/travelling-blind-2024
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