Kirsty Smith Walks 165 Miles For Sight Scotland

Kirsty Smith says committing to a Sight for Sight challenge is a great motivator to exercise during lockdown.

"By setting yourself a challenge, you’re going to push yourself out of your comfort zone. You’ll do something harder, or longer, than you would ordinarily."

The Sight for Sight fundraising challenge asks members of the public to tackle a fundraising challenge inspired by their favourite Scottish sight, and to raise funds for Sight Scotland.

Kirsty challenged herself to walk to a different Edinburgh sight every day for 20 days. Rain, snow or shine, Kirsty walked to sights such as Cramond Island (14 miles), Blackford Hill (10 mi), Lauriston Castle (12 mi), Craigmillar Castle (8 mi) and Edinburgh Zoo (13 mi) from her home in Leith.

Her final day of walking took her all the way to the Forth Rail Bridge – an impressive 23 mile wander, topping off a total of 165 miles walked.

“Knowing I had a purpose with my walk every day was great. It was definitely a bit more exciting than doing the same things every day,” she said.

“There were sights I’d never visited too, so that was lovely.”

"I just shared what I was doing and why I was doing it, with a link to my Just Giving page.
I invited people to donate if they could, and many people were able to.”

- Kirsty Smith, who raised £1,429 for Sight Scotland

Kirsty declared her challenge on social media, and after four weeks, she had raised £1,429 in donations for Sight Scotland.

“I just shared what I was doing and why I was doing it, with a link to my Just Giving page. I had very positive feedback from friends and family. I invited people to donate if they could, and many people were able to,” Kirsty said.

Donations to Kirsty’s Sight for Sight challenge will help Sight Scotland ensure every person with visual impairment in Scotland, and their families, have access to the care, education, and support they need to overcome barriers and achieve their potential.

Kirsty encourages others to set themselves a Sight for Sight challenge, saying it’s an excellent way to break up the monotony of lockdown.

“There were days when it was hard, I was tired and I didn’t want to walk in the rain. But I felt great after each walk. And I felt like I’d achieved something for myself, and for a great cause.
”I rewarded myself with quite a lot of food,” she laughed.

To support Kirsty’s challenge with a donation to Sight Scotland, visit her JustGiving page
Learn how to set your own Sight for Sight challenge by clicking here