A GROUP of deafblind people are to scale the O2 in London to raise money for charity.

On Monday May 9, members of the Deafblind UK support groups across Braintree, Witham, Colchester, Tiptree and Chelmsford will take on the challenge of climbing one of the capitals most iconic structures.

Five deafblind participants will take part, with a carer, both on foot and in wheelchairs specially designed for the climb.

Diane Andersson, 50 and from Witham, came up with the idea after her husband Carl, 68, began losing his sight due to Macular Degeneration last year and started losing his hearing at the same time.

Mrs Andersson, said: "We have been helped by Deafblind UK a lot recently when my husband became deafblind registered and we really wanted to pay them back in some way.

She added: "They put you in touch with the right people and help you to get the equipment you need.

"They also help with finding the funding for things."

The original plan was to raise £200 to help support the groups throughout Essex, however after smashing that target and reaching over £300, Mrs Andersson is hoping for much more.

She said: "We have done walks for charity before, like the Walk for Life, but nothing so high, that is going to be the challenge.

"We are very very excited, we are quite an adventurous couple.""

Steph Moon, Senior Outreach Officer for Deafblind UK said: "The money that we raise will be put towards the groups so that they can give them more activities and so we can run many more outings."

Deafblind UK run 12 support groups around Essex, for more information please visit: www.deafblind.org.uk.

To donate visit: www.justgiving.com/Diane-Andersson1.