Blind Wayne to take on clifftop trek years after being given four days to live

Wayne Pugh is trekking across a cliff to raise money for a guide dog charity

Fahad Tariq Senior Journalist

09:00, 23 Aug 2022

View 3 Images

Wayne Pugh wants to give another blind person a guide dog after his dog Vince changed his life for the better(Image: JustGiving)

A blind man is undertaking one of the biggest challenges of his life as he attempts to walk across a cliff to raise money for charity. It was 12 years ago when Wayne Pugh's life changed forever after he suddenly lost his eyesight.

He was forced to spend four-and-a-half hours on a dialysis machine three times a week before being given a second chance when elder brother donated his kidney.

But three years after that, he was told his diabetes was attacking his other kidney and he needed a pancreas transplant. Doctors gave him just a 30 per cent chance of survival and miraculously he pulled through.

Since then he's pushed himself out of his comfort zone and persevered through the trauma.

Now aged 40, Wayne will today be walking across a cliff in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind. The charity provided him with a guide dog called Vince giving him back his independence.

Wayne, , from Meir Park, said: "My brother found me in bed 12 years ago and I got rushed into hospital, my organs were shutting down. My kidneys had given up, everything was shutting down.

"It was doctors at the Royal Stoke who told me I've got less than a week to live. It was due to the diabetes."

Wayne is hoping to raise 2,500 to give another blind person a guide dog. He is planning to name it after his grandad - Herbert John Pugh - who served in the North Staffordshire regiment during WW2. Mr Pugh suffered serious injuries during his time in the war which saw his hand blown off.

[0_JS188040179.jpg]

View 3 Images

Wayne Pugh with his dog Vince

Wayne - who previously climbed Ben Nevis for charity - said: Ive always looked up to him. He died when I was seven but in a short space of time I heard so much about him and spent so much time with him.

He went to war and saved lives so it would be quite fitting because my guide dog saved my life and I want to give someone else that chance. He is the reason why I am who I am today.

I couldn't see anything at all and it was extremely hard at first, it was hell. Everything youve ever known has disappeared.

Theres been a lot of dark times but my family and guide dog have helped me through it. The day Vince walked into my life it was like the charity matched me with me and now I can see myself in him.

Wayne will be taking on the Elie Chain Walk, on the Fife coast in Scotland, with three experienced mountaineers from 3pm today (August 23). They will need to combine climbing, crawling and clambering to complete the 0.5km route which is supported by a series of chains.

Preparations for the big day included regular walks in Trentham Gardens with Vince. Wayne has also been kitted out with specialist footwear and clothing.

He added: I am feeling extremely nervous but Ill be doing it with three people so I know Ill be safe. Youve got to keep fighting and I want to help give someone else an independent life like Ive got now with Vince.

[0_JS188039973.jpg]

View 3 Images

Wayne Pugh with his dog Vince, Mum Ann (left), Brother Craig (second left) and Dad John (right)

From what we know, I think no-one whos blind has ever done it before so its crazy. If I do something no-one has ever done before, and I manage it, it will be amazing.

I keep trying but things can knock you down - it isnt about falling down it's about getting back up.

Waynes dad John, 76, from Weston Coyney, said: We are terrified about it but we are also very proud of him for doing this.

Support the JustGiving appeal and help another person have access to a guide dog.

NEWSLETTER: Sign up for email alerts from StokeonTrentLive direct to your inbox here

Lying pervert claimed to be paramedic and took poorly pub-goer to hospital

Idyllic country pub - once rated the best in North Staffordshire - set to reopen

Taxpayers funded massive police escort as trouble flared at Port Vale match

Article continues below

Drink-driving dad-to-be crashed into car after petrol station row with girlfriend

Plan to build more than 50 flats on former industrial land near to Grade II Listed kilns

[Stoke-on-Trent Live Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose The Sentinel as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.

[Google Preferred Source Badge]

At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the "Do Not Sell or Share my Data" button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.