By Claire Elliot

SCALING 75 munros and reaching the Everest Base Camp would be a major feat for most people - but Neil Skene is blind.

The 42-year-old, is now gearing up for his latest challenge - a 140-mile bike ride to help others who have lost their sight.

He was born with glaucoma, a condition that causes damage to the optic nerve, which left him blind by his late teens.

The father-of-one, from Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, however, said: “It’s probably the best thing that happened to me.

“I’ve done more since losing my sight than I probably ever would have done if I was sighted.”

Before then he never took part in sporting activities. He only watched football on TV.

But since losing his vision, with the help of guides, he has climbed 75 munros, reached the Everest Base Camp in Nepal, and ran the London marathon.

He has also completed a number of 10k races and this year hopes to add the Great North Run to his list of achievements.

Mr Skene, said: “I’m fitter now than I was at school.

“I love cycling, hill walking and climbing. And I’m really lucky to have such good support and guides.”

He now plans to cycle 140-miles in tandem with friend Ken MacLennan, around the Outer Hebrides to raise money for Grampian Society for the Blind, for which he is fundraising coordinator.

The bike ride, which involves 11 cyclists, has been organised by Aberdeen optometrist Malcolm McPherson and will be completed over three days next month (May).

They hope their efforts will help to raise around £4,000 to buy special computer software and equipment to assist the blind.

Mr Skene, said: “Computers have opened up so much for blind people. For the independence it gives someone it is worth it. But at £500/£600 for the software it is a lot of money to find.”

Mr Skene hopes the bike ride will also raise awareness of conditions like glaucoma, and encourage people to get their eyes checked regularly.

As a child, he received some treatment for his condition, but he said: “Things have improved so much since then.”

He admitted the one thing he misses the most is being able to watch the football on the TV.

But he said: “I was lucky because it happened to me in my teenage years when nothing seemed to matter - I was indestructible.

“And through losing it gradually you don’t notice it. You adapt without realising and I think that does keep you good.”

His guide dog Cracken, an eight-year-old Labrador, which was nominated for the Guide Dog of the Year 2007, also helps him to maintain his independence.

He said: “There are so many things he opens up for you.

“Without him I’d lose a lot of independence and have to rely on other people all the time.

“For example, on a Saturday morning my daughter goes to recorder practice and with Cracken I can take her myself.

“It’s a simple thing but I’m not having to rely on my wife to take her. I can do something on my own.”

He said Cracken, who gets him to work every day, will not be accompanying him on the bike ride. Instead, he will enjoy a well-earned rest at home with his wife Tracey and daughter, Kirsty, seven.

Mrs Skene, paying tribute to her husband’s accomplishments, said: “It’s quite incredible what he’s achieved but he doesn’t think any thing of it.

“He just gets on with it. There’s nothing he won’t try.”

The charity bike ride will start from Eriskay on May 30 and finish at Butt of Lewis on June 1.

The cyclists, however, are looking for a minibus to transport them to and from Aberdeen, where they will set off from on May 29. Anyone who can help can contact Mr Skene on 01224 793954. Alternatively to sponsor him visit www.justgiving.com/neilskenehebrides