Local charity takes sight loss group to Devon

On the 6^th June a group of elderly travellers will embark on a trip to Devon as the York Blind and Partially Sighted Society (YBPSS), with support from CrossCountry trains and the Vision Hotel Group, encourages people with sight loss to travel independently.

The group of ten - ranging from 70-94 years old - who all suffer from a condition known as Macular Degeneration, will travel from York to Devon for a five day trip to the Cliffden Vision Hotel, which specifically caters for those who are visually impaired.

Sight loss conditions such as macular degeneration make it difficult for individuals to maintain their independence and activities such as travelling can be a real challenge.

Teresa Mikola, group coordinator and volunteer, York Blind and Partially Sighted Society said: "Holidays, travel and independence is valued by everyone and when an opportunity to have a break away to visit a Vision Hotel Group looked possible, my colleague and I jumped at the chance to volunteer."

 
"I want to go on this trip to show the group that even living with sight loss, with help and support, holidays are still possible. The trip last year was a great success and I am returning to Devon a second time with the kind generosity of CrossCountry."

Rebecca Grier, Head of Business Support from CrossCountry said: "Everyone should be able to explore what Great Britain has to offer and enjoy a stress free journey along the way. We are delighted to be able to support the group on their journey and hope this will reassure others with sight loss that support is available next time they want to embark on their own adventure."

York Blind and Partially Sighted Society is a local independent charity providing help and support to people who are living with sight loss. If you would like further information about YBPSS please visit www.ybpss.org.

If you would like further information about YBPSS, please call 01904 636269 or email [email protected].

For further information about CrossCountry, please contact Becky Riffel or Rioco Green on 020 7025 7522 or email [email protected].   

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Note to editors

The group will depart from York to Devon (via Exeter) on the 09.45 service and return five days later on 11^th June (travelling direct to York). CrossCountry trains has provided the group with free standard complimentary travel.

RNIB: Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of sight loss in adults

For those who would like to request assisted travel it's possible to pre-book this service on the CrossCountry website, or you can get in touch by telephone or textphone. More information on how to book can be found here: crosscountrytrains.co.uk/customer-service/travel-assistance  

The CrossCountry network is the most extensive passenger rail franchise in Britain. Stretching from Aberdeen to Penzance, and from Stansted to Cardiff, it calls at over 100 stations. Based in Birmingham, CrossCountry connects seven of the Britain's 10 largest cities and delivers 295 services every weekday, equating to some 32 million passenger journeys a year. For further information on CrossCountry services visit crosscountrytrains.co.uk or follow them online via Twitter at @crosscountryuk, Facebook.com/crosscountrytrains and their student Facebook page, Facebook.com/studentraildeals.

Contact Information

CrossCountry Press Office: [email protected]

About CrossCountry

CrossCountry is a long-distance passenger train operator, with a network stretching from Aberdeen to Penzance and from Stansted to Cardiff and calling at over 100 stations. Based in Birmingham, CrossCountry connects seven of Britain’s 10 largest cities and delivers 240 services every weekday, equating to over 42 million passenger journeys each year.

For further information on CrossCountry services, visit crosscountrytrains.co.uk or visit one of our social media platforms via X @crosscountryuk or Facebook at facebook.com/crosscountrytrains