AN ambitious two-day sponsored blindfold is being organised by a Black Country charity to boost a £6 million appeal and raise awareness.

The Beacon Centre for the Blind, Sedgley, is planning the event at the Wolverhampton Novotel - giving people chance to experience life without sight for 24 hours.

Money raised will go towards the Second Site Appeal, which has still to raise just under £2 million towards the centre’s £18 million redevelopment.

Capital appeal officer Barry Butt, who has been blind since birth, said the blindfold would be a “well-co-ordinated and serious exercise in helping sighted people understand what it’s like not to see for 24 hours and to get to grips with the challenges presented.”

They will be divided into couples with one wearing a blindfold and the other guiding them as they face a number of challenges during their overnight stay at the Novotel, including venturing out into Wolverhampton.

Final details of those challenges, plus news of guest speakers are still to be decided, but Barry said it was imperative that this was a serious event designed to promote better understanding of the issues faced by blind people.

“Our sponsored blindfold will be a fun initiative with a serious message,” he added.

The event follows the recent successful “blind drive” at RAF Cosford which raised £5,000 as sighted and visually impaired drivers donned blindfolds to raise money for the rebuilding of the centre, which began last year.

Novotel general manager Matt Ward is working with the Beacon Centre team to organise and publicise the latest blindfold event, with a particular interest in how the hotel trade can benefit from lessons learned during the two days.

Matt said: “We have to make sure that all goes ahead as safely as possible. That said, we are determined to make this as challenging and worthwhile an event as it can be and we are very much looking forward to ensuring it’s as big a success as possible.

“It’s not every day our guests get the chance to experience something like this - from checking in to eating dinner as a blind person - and I hope people will show Beacon Centre their support by taking part.”

The event will be held on Friday and Saturday January 9 and 10 and participants are being asked to collect a minimum of £300 per couple.

There is no extra charge to those taking part for their accommodation at the Novotel.

Anyone interested should ring Barry Butt on 01902 880111 or email him at bbutt@beacon4blind.co.uk The Beacon Centre’s share of the £18 million redevelopment is £6.2 million with Bromford Housing funding the remainder. The centre’s services were scattered between eight buildings on the seven-acre site in Wolverhampton Road East and the state-of-the-art replacement, including care apartments run by the housing group, is due for completion next June.