Friends and family of lifelong Stags' fan Nathan Edge will embark on a 15-mile trek next month in a bid to raise money for the Guide Dog Services which helps blind and partially sighted people.
On Saturday 28 September, Nathan will be joined by scores of fellow Stags' supporters, ahead of Mansfield Town's big match away at local rivals Chesterfield.
After being diagnosed with Uveitis, an inflammation in the middle layer of the eye, Nathan's sight deteriorated dramatically turning his life and his family's lives upside down. Â Although he struggled with his sight loss Nathan stayed in main stream education and against all odds achieved excellent exam results.
Nathan, who is now waiting for his first guide dog, said: Â "During this waiting period I am experiencing many mixed emotions including feelings of excitement and apprehension as I do know what a difference a guide dog will make to my life. I am confident this will give me the independence and the ability to live my life as any other 19 year old."
Guide dogs give back their independence to so many blind or partially people and Nathan is determined to raise money for the charity as he is one of many people in Nottinghamshire on the waiting list for a guide dog.  The guide dogs' service receives no funding from the government and the lifetime cost of a guide dog is approximately £50,000.
Said Nathan's dad, Mick Edge: Â "Nathan's passion in life is football and he has been a season ticket holder at Mansfield town for the past 12 years following them home and away even though he can't see what is happening on the pitch."
The walk is backed by the Club, whose Operations Director Paul Broughton said: Â "We are fully supporting Nathan's walk and will look to help him in any way we can to raise the vital funds needed by the Guide Dog Association. Â We will stage a charity collection specifically for Nathan at a forthcoming home game, details of which will be announced in due course."
If you would like to help Nathan and blind and partially sighted people in Nottinghamshire on this journey why not join Nathan in his challenge and be a part of making a difference?
You can register for this event at www.gowalkies.org.uk. Â All participants receive a goody bag.
If you are unable to attend but would like to be part of our efforts please text to donate to 70070 - NEGD77 £+amount  or sponsor me at http://www.justgiving.com/Nathan-Edge2
To find out more about guide dogs in your area please email nottingham@guidedogs.org.uk
