There’s a part of this blog that’s going to make you think this is an April Fool, but it’s not. I’ve posted my one joke for today on social media, and I’m told it wasn’t that funny, so I’m moving on!

Back to the serious stuff.

For a number of years, I’ve had the fantastic opportunity to work with the Speed of Sight charity in my hometown of Bolton. I don’t really do any of their copywriting as such, but I help to promote the charity by writing the book that tells people how and why charity Co-founder, ‘Superhuman’ Mike Newman, is known as the fastest blind man on the planet (yes – land, sea and air – all blind).

Though Mike is nearly at double digits for his World Speed Records, it’s not the speed, nor the cars, that drives him forward. It’s the charity, which he founded in 2012 with Commercial Director, John Galloway. Visit Speed of Sight for more info.

Speed of Sight delivers life-changing driving experiences for people with a wide range of disabilities – not just those who are blind like Mike. The charity enables differently abled people to take part in an exhilarating, sensory and interactive activity that they would never have thought possible; an experience that so many of us take for granted – driving a car. With Mike quite rightly approached on many an occasion to deliver speeches of true inspiration, and with him giving all proceeds from these to his charity, he was eventually coerced by John to agree that a book would be the perfect accompaniment to such events. It’s hoped that a book about Mike’s life in relation to his world class achievements will surely spread awareness of the Speed of Sight charity even further afield, and hopefully raise some much-needed funds to allow the team to continue with their life-changing provision.

I have the joy of being a part of the Speed of Sight family at a time when both the charity and the book are developing, and so I am delighted to reveal that the next stage of their promotion and sponsorship is the launch of their own beer!

I’m actually not writing this blog to give you the ins and outs of the beer and the story behind how a local brewer was brought on board. I’m writing this blog to raise a bit of profile for the charity by asking anyone reading this what their honest thoughts are around the concept of linking a charity that focuses on driving… with an alcoholic drink.

To be honest, I hope it causes a little bit of controversy – just as long as it gets people talking about/stirring up interest in the charity and the man behind the wheel.

Hopefully, nobody is too against the idea, and sees it for what it is – a way of raising awareness and funds for a great local charity that helps those with disabilities to achieve something they never thought possible. It’s all been planned with good intention and great humour, and this will hopefully come across in the chosen name of the promotional pint…

Blind Drunk.

I truly wish I could take credit for coming up with that name, but I can’t. I’m disappointed in myself for not spotting the opportunity!

My failings aside, let’s get a conversation going.

Is using a promotional pint the best way to go about championing a charity that gets people behind the wheel of a car?

Is the chosen name of the branded beverage, Blind Drunk, offensive in any way?

Is there something even better that the team could be doing to raise awareness and funds for this great local charity?

I would genuinely love to know people’s thoughts on all of this, but before I sign off, it’s disclaimer time. We need to let you all know that Speed of Sight would never condone drinking and driving.

Drinking OR driving, though… that’s a different matter! Yes! Next time you’re in the pub and you happen to see that Blind Drunk is on tap, buy yourself a pint and know that you’re supporting a great charity. Similarly, if drinking isn’t your thing, why not come and drive one of our specially adapted cars at one of our Speed of Sight track or off-roading events, knowing that your fee is working towards providing those less fortunate with the ability to access such life-changing opportunities for free.

Drink or drive. The choice is yours.