A BLIND Barnoldswick woman has set herself a challenge to climb Pendle Hill to raise money for charity.

Dawn Rowley will attempt to climb the 1,835 foot hill with the help of her carer and two members of staff from West Craven Sports Centre on July 4.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The 55-year-old has been blind since birth but wanted to set herself a challenge.

Since moving to Lancashire 12 years ago with her husband, she has been struggling to control her weight and diabetes.

Dawn, originally from North London, was referred to West Craven Sports Centre through a local support group and began a course of gym session.

Personal trainer Paul Sudds said: “When Dawn first came to the gym she was struggling to get onto the machines, and now she can comfortably do 40 minutes on the treadmill.

“Dawn has lost weight, but the fitness has been her main focus. She said she wanted a challenge and we told her that if she got to a level of fitness we would personally take her up Pendle Hill.

“We have planned a route up the sloping part of the hill, rather than the steps so the ground is more even. If we have to hold her hand then we will do.”

Dawn is excited about the challenge.

She said: “I have been going to the gym since September, where I have gained a lot of confidence and the staff have both made me feel relaxed and capable.

“At the beginning I was very unsteady and spent most of the sessions struggling with just getting on and off the equipment.

“I am some way from my fitness goals but I feel that this challenge will give me the boost I need to carry on and succeed.

“My confidence has soared and I now want to challenge myself to climb Pendle Hill and raise money to help other people who need support like me.”

Helping her to reach the summit will be gym instructor Paul Sudds and Stephen Grant from the centre.

Dawn has set herself a target of £500 for RNIB, a charity she has received a lot of support from over the years and made many friends along the way.

She said: “Even though I am still some way off my health and fitness goals, I have come a long way and though my lack of sight is extremely scary for me, the instructors at West Craven Sports Centre make me a lot more relaxed and feel good about myself.”

To donate to Dawn, visit www.justgiving.com/owner-email/update/Dawn-Rowley.