Guide Dog owner and volunteer Jade McCormack attended the unique Zero Limits event in Co Kildare which took place on the 23rd and 24th July. It gave people who are blind/vision impaired the chance to drive.

Jade recounts her experience saying, “This is the fourth year and second year I have taken part. Zero Limits is an experience like no other for those who are blind/vision impaired, it gives them the opportunity to drive and get a front seat experience being driven around the track in a rally car by some of the country’s top drivers. It truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity and one that this year I hold close to my heart. Last year I lost my father suddenly and unexpectedly and it is from him that I know I get my love of fast cars and adventure from. Taking part in this year’s event was such a lovely way for me to remember dad and to do something I know he would have loved to be part of.”

“The day is divided into two parts,” Jade continued. “The first being the morning where those who are blind/vision impaired take the wheel and drive around the track with the help of an experienced driver. I had such a positive experience with the lovely navigator, Joe. I’m sure for Joe it was equally an experience as he was having to instruct someone who can’t see and hoping they will listen to what he is asking. For me this was such a thrill being able to get behind the wheel and do something most people take for granted. If I had to describe the feeling of driving a car while not being fully able to see it would be that of surreal. The freedom and joy I felt while driving was like nothing I have ever experienced before. After driving I had some lunch and was able to chat lots of people and soak up the atmosphere which was amazing. The event this year was launched by Dancing With the Stars Winner Jason Smith and his dance partner Karen Byrne who were extremely generous with their time and spoke to as many people as they could.”

Jade continued, “After lunch and chats the afternoon really revved up as around a dozen rally cars took to the track to bring some poor unexpecting passengers for a quick spin. When it was my turn to go down to the pit, the excitement I felt was palpable and my heart started to race as adrenaline started to flow as fast as the cars driving around the track. I donned the helmet and climbed into the car with the butterflies increasing in the pit of my stomach. I had a brief chat with the fantastic driver Cathal and assured him that I was neither nervous nor novice and had been in plenty of fast cars before. Off we took and I sat back and enjoyed the thrill of the engine revving and the turns being taken. As soon as it started, we were back at the pits and after a brief chat with some more people it was back on the bus and back home.”
You can contact Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs by phone/text 085 7663107, email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.