The 18-year-old from Perthshire will attempt to become the world’s fastest blind stand up paddle boarder.
Despite being blind with Stargardt’s disease, the young adventurer will have paddle the distance wearing a blindfold to break the new record.
Throughout his training, William is raising funds £25,000 for ‘Help See the Blind’ a new initiative making it easier for the blind and their carers to find support, education and employment.
William said, “There are almost 2 million people living with sight difficulties in the UK, these difficulties can compound mental and emotional stress on top of what is already a massive shock to those who have had sight and then lose it.
“I am blind because of Stargardt’s disease but I want people to look past that and see me. I have dreams and ambitions. I am a poet, a musician and an amateur historian. I want an education and a career, opportunities for which are very limited for the blind.”
William is training for the new world record with David Fox Pitt MBE, ex-SAS regiment and founder of WildFox Events Ltd and pro-SUP boarder Ross Dempster of Beyond Adventure, based in Aberfeldy.
Those interested in supporting Will’s challenge can do so: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/help-see-the-blind?utm_id=60&utm_term=Jw77pK75a
Will's WR attempt is sponsored by MyLiferaft: An online account for self- management of health and care needs for carers and those they support and Gift for Carers: A gift card giving access to discounts and gifts, again aimed at thanking a carer.
Find out more about the challenge on the 'Help See The Blind' website: https://helpseetheblind.co.uk/guinness-world-record/
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