2023-07-23 21:29:24
Scott Rees, 39, who became visually impaired due to a genetic disease, managed to regain some semblance of normal life thanks to his guide dog. He now wants to help the organization that introduced them by swimming across the Strait of Georgia to raise money.
The 30 kilometer crossing should take him at least 12 hours. It started early Sunday morning.
A competitive swimmer in his youth, Scott Rees began to lose his sight due to retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative genetic eye disease. He had to stop competitions, as well as many other activities.
With the help of his dog Kaleb, to whom he was paired two years ago, he was able to take on several of them. For example, he can now walk down the street at normal speed without colliding with objects.
Since it was the organization Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind, which introduced him to his new companion Kaleb, Scott Rees now wants to raise funds so that other people can receive the same support he has obtained. So far he has raised over $100,000.
The organization has had a huge positive impact on my life, giving me back mobility and independence. I am now able to get around town, get to work, meet friends, work out, do the things I lost as my eyesight deteriorated.
Scott Rees chose swimming as his fundraising activity because it was one of the activities he was able to continue doing despite his condition.
Scott Rees’ childhood friend, Greg Wenger, will follow his boat trip through the Strait of Georgia with three other people. The route departs from Davis Bay, near Sechelt, and ends in Nanaimo. At times, Greg Wenger will also swim with his friend. Scott Rees will be able to receive navigation instructions directly to the ear, thanks to a waterproof headset.
Not much fond of the sea, Kaleb, for his part, will wait for his master Scott Rees in Nanaimo alongside his wife.
Open in full screen mode
Scott Rees swims from Davis Bay, near Sechelt, BC, to Pipers Lagoon Park in Nanaimo.
Photo: Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind
1690151645
#visually #impaired #man #raises #funds #swimming #Strait #Georgia
