Derbyshire driver who lost her sight gets back behind wheel at Formula One racetrack

A BLIND woman who lost her sight more than five years ago is to get behind the wheel of a car again – on a racing circuit.

Moya Guy went to bed with a migraine in March 2003 but when she woke up the next morning she was devastated to find she could no longer see after suffering a stroke during the night.

But the 57-year-old, of Duffield, is determined to lead a normal life and has signed up for the Blind Drive Challenge.

More than 100 blind and partially-sighted people will take part in the sponsored event at Donington Park on Sunday.

The drivers will be talked round part of the circuit by a driving instructor from the British School of Motoring.

Speaking of the experience ahead, Mrs Guy, of Hazelwood Road, said: "To be able to do something like this is absolutely wonderful.

"Although someone in the car tells you to turn left or right, to be behind the wheel again will be such a nice feeling.

"It was devastating to lose my sight and, to begin with, I didn't cope very well.

"But I've come to learn that life doesn't end. It's about working with what you have and this is a great opportunity to pick myself up and dust myself down."

As well as the instructors, BSM will be lending dual-control cars for the event.

Money raised from the event, which starts at 10am, will be given to the Guide Dogs for the Blind.

The charity provides guide dogs and other mobility services to those who are blind or partially-sighted.

Almost £20,000 was raised for the charity in December last year when Donington Park hosted a similar event.

Mrs Guy is married to David and receives help from her trained labrador, Polly.

She said: "I reckon I can raise about £600 and, if I can add to that, that would be brilliant.

"It's wonderful having a dog because you can go much further than you would if you just had a cane.

"Polly has really given me a life and anything I can give back to Guide Dogs for the Blind is wonderful."

Drivers will be guided around Donington Park's Melbourne Loop for the challenge, which will be watched by family and friends.

In July, it was confirmed that the East Midlands circuit will host the British Grand Prix, part of the Formula One programme, in 2010.

"It's one thing to take on this challenge of driving in the first place but to drive around Donington Park anyway is something else," said Mrs Guy.

"Quite a few people from the county and neighbouring counties will be taking part so it's clearly attracting people's attention."