Colin McArthur completed his Flight for Sight challenge on Hovertravel's Solent Express Hovercraft on Thursday 13th September.

The challenge which was organised by Colin with Hovertravel, was to raise money for the British Retinitis Pigmentosa Society charity, for which Colin is the fundraising manager.

Colin, who lost his sight to Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) 20 years ago, aims to raise both awareness of the hereditary condition and vital funds for research into a cure.

Under the guidance of Captain Grahan Snow of Hovertravel, Colin took the controls of the 130 seater hovercraft Solent Express. The special flight which was taken out of normal service for the challenge, was launched at 15:15 and Colin took over the controls of the craft shortly after 15:20. Colin kept control of the craft for approximately 20 mins travelling across the Solent and around the 'No mans land' fort before the Captain returned the craft to the Hoverpad at Ryde.

Colin was delighted after completing the challenge and said "I would like to thank Hovertravel for allowing me to take the controls of the very expensive new Solent Express. It was a fantastic experience".

The British Retinitis Pigmentosa Society (BRPS) was set up for those with RP. It is a self help group which helps members live with and overcome their visual problems and brings relief by stimulating research into the causes and eventual treatment of RP by funding a range of research projects.

To find out more about Retinitis Pigmentosa and the work of the BRPS visit www.brps.org.uk or call the Helpline on 0845 123 2354.