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LOUGHBOROUGH PARALYMPIC CHAMPION TO WALK ON FIRE

A Paralympic champion, who finished third in ITV’s Dancing on Ice, will be adding to her impressive resume next month by walking on fire for the sight-loss charity Vista.

Libby Clegg, is a Paralympic champion, who won two Gold medals for sprinting at the 2016 Paralympic Games – one in the 100m, which always saw her break the World Record, and a second in the 200m.

She was also the first blind person to compete on ITV’s Dancing on Ice, finishing third in the popular competition back in 2019.

Picture: Vista

Now the 32-year-old is set to complete a firewalk on Saturday, May 28, for the charity Vista, which has appointed her as its latest community fundraiser.

She is planning the brave feat at Loughborough University, and is seeking likeminded daredevils to join her on the day.

“If you’re looking for a fundraising challenge that will push your boundaries please join me – whether it’s solo, with friends, colleagues or family members, everyone over the age of 18 is welcome”, said Libby who has lived in Loughborough since 2009.

“I’m really excited to be working for Vista, supporting local people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland with sight loss, and to be able to witness the direct impact the charity has in the community.

“The pandemic has really hit our fundraising and local support is vital to the charity in helping us to deliver our sight loss services”, she added.

Libby has a deteriorating eye condition known as Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy disease, giving her only slight peripheral vision in her left eye. She is registered blind.

Vista has been working with people with sight loss and their families across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland for over 160 years.

Its aim is to promote eye health to prevent avoidable sight loss, reduce the impact of sight loss, and to provide support and care for people affected by sight loss.

Kate Naish, Director of Business Development, and Income Generation at Vista said she was delighted to have Libby on board with its fundraising.

“She has an enthusiasm and passion which is infectious and being able to talk to donors about her lived experience of sight loss is invaluable to the team”, she added.

“Vista aims to empower people with sight loss to achieve their ambitions, and supporting Libby at the start of her fundraising career is an exciting thing to do.”

To find out more, or to get involved in Libby’s firewalk challenge, visit: https://www.vistablind.org.uk/