Yoga teacher with Stargardt’s disease, from Great Cornard, near Sudbury, to take on Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge in aid of Macular Society

A yoga teacher who has lost vision in her left eye with her remaining sight rapidly deteriorating is set to take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge for charity.

Dawn Blezard, of Great Cornard, near Sudbury, has Stargardt’s disease, which is a rare genetic condition that is slowly taking away her central vision.

On Monday, she will be climbing Ingleborough, Pen-y-Ghent, and Whernside with her white stick, in aid of the Macular Society.

The 24-mile trek will be split over two days to accommodate Dawn’s sight. She will be accompanied by members of her yoga community from Sudbury Leisure Centre and the Self Centre in Bury St Edmunds.

Dawn’s husband, James, who has been ‘her eyes’ during training, will not be able to take part due to injury.

“I have wanted to do the Yorkshire Three Peaks for years and want to do it while I can still see the view. There is no giving up,” she said.

“This walk is a living meditation. Every step is a reminder that persistence, presence, and compassion for oneself are the true peaks we climb every day.

“For someone with a visual impairment, steep ascents, rocky paths, and unpredictable weather make this an even greater test of resilience.”

Dawn is using her journey to help raise funds for the Macular Society and has so far received more than £700 on her JustGiving page.

The specialist charity provides crucial support to those affected by macular diseases and funds critical research for better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

Dawn chose the Macular Society because its helpline offered guidance and emotional support when she was first diagnosed.