In a heartfelt tribute to her late grandparents, Barry and Shirley, a local resident Ellie Davis has embarked on an inspiring challenge: running 5 kilometers every day throughout December, including Christmas Day, to raise funds for the Huntingdonshire Society for the Blind.
Barry, who was registered blind from a young age, was a long-standing member of the Huntingdonshire Society for the Blind up until his passing in 2019. A social and outgoing individual, Barry thrived in the community provided by the society’s social clubs and events. His wife, Shirley, who attended as his carer, also benefited greatly from the companionship and sense of belonging the society fostered.
“The society gave my Grandad a safe space to be himself,” Barry’s granddaughter, Ellie, shared. “It offered him a community that became like family and opportunities to enjoy activities that brought him so much happiness. My Grandma also made lifelong friendships through her involvement.”
We at Huntingdonshire Society for the Blind run a variety of social events, and our volunteers play a key role in the society’s work, helping with transportation so members and their carers can attend events safely and comfortably. For Barry and Shirley, this support meant they could enjoy the society’s offerings without barriers.
Now, Barry’s granddaughter, Ellie, is giving back to the charity that gave her grandparents so much joy and support. Each step of her 5K runs is dedicated to the memory of Barry and Shirley, especially during December—a difficult month for the family since their passing in 2019.
“December is one of the hardest times of the year being without them,” she explained. “I know they would be so proud, and I’ll be thinking of them every day as I run.”
The fundraiser is not only a testament to the impact of the Huntingdonshire Society for the Blind but also a celebration of the vital role local charities play in supporting communities. For Barry, the society was a lifeline, a place where he could be the “social butterfly” he was known to be, surrounded by friends who understood and shared his experiences.
The local community is already rallying behind the effort, inspired by the deeply personal story and the commitment to a cause that brings people together. Every donation contributes directly to ensuring that the society can continue its valuable work for visually impaired individuals and their families.
The challenge serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of connection, community, and honoring those who have made a lasting impact on our lives.
The total raised was a staggering £1551.00.
Through this incredible act of remembrance, Barry’s legacy of joy, friendship, and resilience lives on—one step, one run, and one day at a time.