Russell on his bobsleigh challenge

A CLAVERING man took the plunge on a daring bobsleigh challenge, reaching speeds of 70mph to finally achieve his dream...and end a 50-year wait.

Russell Young

Russell Young, 65, visited the Olympia bobsleigh course in St Moritz, Switzerland, in bid to raise money and the profile of the International Glaucoma Association (IGA).

And, inspired by the 1964 GB Olympic gold medal two-man bob team, he achieved what he set out to do, completing the course in just over one minute.

“It has taken me 47 years to reach this goal,” said Mr Young, who is the charity’s deputy chief executive. “It was certainly exhilarating, although I admit to some trepidation before taking the plunge. The whole thing was well worth the effort.”

Mr Young, who was part of a four-man team who took on the challenge, raised £1,250, money which will go help the charity to continue campaigning to raise awareness of glaucoma and funding research into new treatments.

Glaucoma affects approximately one in 50 people over the age of 40, although few are aware of the condition, which is a leading cause of preventable blindness in the UK.

It initially causes loss of peripheral vision, and people affected are therefore often unaware of it before suffering irreparable damage.

Glaucoma is treatable, but it can’t be cured. Sight loss caused by the condition is permanent, but if it’s identified early, further damage can be minimised, and patients can continue to lead normal lives and maintain their quality of life, such as retaining their driving licence.

“As well as raising much needed funds, I’m hoping to get the message out that people must go for regular eye tests,” said Mr Young.

For more information contact the International Glaucoma Association on 01233 648164 or visit glaucoma-association.com

You can also donate to Mr Young’s cause by visiting

justgiving.com/RussellYoungIGA