A BLIND teenager has handed over £170 to a riding for the disabled charity.

Chelsea Cryer, 15, from Hipswell, Catterick Garrison, organised a sponsored walk with her carer Maria Rodriguez, from Catterick Garrison to Richmond and back.

Chelsea used to attend Risedale School in Catterick Garrison but since moving to Mowbray School in Bedale in January, she has been unable to attend the week-day riding session with Riding for the Disabled Association at the Saddle Club stables in Catterick.

She said: “I really enjoy going to the stables and looking after the horses so I wanted to do something for them.”

Ms Rodriguez added: “She decided in January she wanted to do some charity work and raise money and her first choice was Richmond and Catterick Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) because she had found out they really needed more volunteers and funding to benefit all their riders.

“Chelsea is so fond of horses and riding that she helps out with the school's ponies also.”

She completed the 10 mile walk in April which took most of the day.

Ms Rodriguez added: “It took so long because Chelsea needed to use her cane and is still learning her cane skills - the cobbles in the market square are not easy when you are using one.”

Alison Parsonage from RDA said: “We are so pleased to receive this money from Chelsea – without donations and volunteers we could not continue to run the sessions we do.”

For information on supporting RDA contact Ms Parsonage on 01748-812028 or Wanda Reynolds on 01677-422178.