Blind Paralympian Jeremy McClure to abseil down QV1 for guide dog charity

BLIND Paralympian Jeremy McClure is planning to abseil down one of Perth’s tallest buildings to raise funds for a charity close to his heart.

The Bull Creek resident is taking part in the QV1 Urban Descent Abseil on International Guide Dog Day – April 26 – in support of Guide Dogs WA.

Mr McClure lost 98 per cent of his vision to a genetic condition over the course of just six weeks when he was 15 years old.

Since then he has swum for Australia at four consecutive Paralympics, including most recently at Rio 2016.

In 2011, he completed his first triathlon when he took part in the Busselton half Ironman.

“This is the first time I’ve taken on a feat like this,” Mr McClure said.

“Only a handful of vision impaired people have tackled it, but I will be the first to take on the 160m drop from the front of the QV1 building.

“My life has been made easier by my faithful guide dog, Presley. We have been companions for the past nine years and my life would be very different without my trusty friend by my side.

“I’m hoping to attract quite a bit of attention to raise $5000 to help train the next generation of guide dogs to assist others.”

The QV1 Urban Descent runs from April 26 to 30 and will raise money for nine local charities.

It is run by former SAS operative and expert abseiler Terry Hewett, who has successfully completed similar events across Australia for more than 15 years.

“We are hoping to have more than 500 participants take the plunge over a five-day period, which will be a record for Perth,” Mr Hewett said.

“Monies raised will directly support those facing life-threatening personal challenges, help endangered wildlife or bring passion and attention to a worthy cause.

“Our goal is to raise more than $500,000 for the charities who have signed up. If more charities want to get on board we are happy to sign them up.”

For more details or to sign up before April 7 visit urbandescent.org.au.