Amar Latif OBE, completed an impressive abseiling and rock climbing challenge on the Dorset Coast.
The blind adventurer, Amar Latif, who has appeared on BBC’s Celebrity Masterchef and holds a regular guest presenter post on The One Show, joined Dorset-based adventure company Land & Wave to complete a charity adventure challenge on Saturday.
The TV presenter was helping Land & Wave highlight how adventure really can be accessible for all and raise money for Dorset Blind association.
Amar says, “What an incredible adventure with the wonderful team from Land & Wave. I was blown away by instructor Verity who took on the challenge of being blindfolded, not only when rock climbing and abseiling down The Dancing Ledge with the sound of crashing waves in the background, but for the whole day!
Amar Latif lost 95% of his sight aged 18 and has been an advocate for accessible adventure and travel ever since.
The challenge involved Amar completing a steep, undulating 40 minute hike down to the cliffs, followed by an abseil down the sea cliffs at UK beauty spot Dancing Ledge near Swanage. He was accompanied by a sighted guide, Sophia Reed from Activities Industry Mutual (an insurance company specialising in supporting outdoor adventure providers).
“What a brilliant day seeing one of our Members in action and having the chance to guide Amar through their exciting activities! Loved it and so pleased to have been a part of it all” says Sophia.
Amar said, “Alex and Sophia were amazing sighted guides – they painted the pictures of the countryside and shorelines so beautifully! Alex’s description of the town of Wareham was so vivid as we drove from the trainstation, and Sophia described the amazing turquoise coast so well that I didn’t believe I was in the UK!”
Following the abseil, Amar then completed an outdoor rock climb on the limestone cliffs, using sound and touch to feel his way up the jagged route. He relied on descriptive instructions from the group to manoeuvre upwards, clinging to the ammonite-clad rocks.
Amar Latif Climbs Dancing Ledge
Amar was joined in the challenge by outdoor instructor, Verity Church, who wore black-out goggles for the duration of the challenge to gain a small insight into what it’s like to experience adventure as a blind person.
Verity also had a sighted guide to assist them and remained in a blindfold for over four hours for the hike, climb and abseil.
Amar says, “”I got so used to Verity being my blind companion that when she took her blindfold off, it felt weird! It was so wonderful to swap notes with her about how the sighted world navigates these kinds of spaces versus how the blind world adapts when faced with these challenging adventures.”
The pair regularly compared notes throughout the challenge, building a strong rapport as they navigated uneven terrain, atmospheric conditions and unfamiliar sensations at height without sight.
Amar Latif and Verity Church Are Quick to Build a Rapport
Verity says “It activated an immediate trust and respect in each other. We instantly connected. It was a surreal experience that left me feeling more in tune with the landscape. I am full of respect for people who are visually impaired. Trust and instinct is so important.”
“Just hearing Amar constantly joking and having to chase his speed gave me the confidence to trust my body. Amar and I exchanged our experiences all afternoon, bridging the gap between sighted and non-sighted. I’m so grateful for such a supportive team to help us complete the challenge and raise funds for Dorset Blind Association and their amazing work.”
This adventure challenge was led by Land & Wave in a bid to understand some of the accessibility challenges facing the blind and visually impaired community. The adventurers were originally meant to be coasteering as a group, but the sea conditions meant that they had to switch to the contingency plan of abseiling and rock climbing instead.
Alex Mortimer, Land & Wave company Director says, “Amar was a keynote speaker at a recent event our insurers, AIM, hosted. He was so inspirational and fearless, I just had to ask him to join us for an adventure in Dorset. It’s been fascinating to learn how we can do better as an industry at making adventure accessible for all.”
The challenge has raised £620 so far, which will go directly to local charity, Dorset Blind Association. Sam Baker, Community Relations Officer for Dorset Blind, joined the challenge. She says, “Being involved in this incredible climbing challenge has been an unforgettable experience for all of us at Dorset Blind Association. Verity’s bravery and can-do attitude were truly inspirational, and Amar’s positive approach to life was infectious and motivating for everyone involved.
“We are immensely grateful to the entire Land & Wave team for their fantastic guidance and support throughout the event. Thanks to the generosity of everyone who donated, we’ve raised £620 so far, which will make a significant impact on the lives of visually impaired individuals in our community. This event has highlighted the power of adventure and teamwork in raising awareness and support. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.”
To make a donation, head here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/land-and-wave
