'I always felt like the gym wasn't accessible' - The struggles blind people face to stay active

Blind and partially sighted people are "twice as likely" to be inactive compared to the UK population, according to new data.

The research, from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and British Blind Sport, shows that almost half (48%) of blind people surveyed reported barriers to trying new sports and activities.

Some of the issues include lack of assistance, difficulty with public transport, and the inaccessibility of some venues.

Consequently, 53% of blind people engage in less than 30 minutes of physical activity per week, compared to 27% of the UK average.

Anne Holloway, strategic programme lead at the RNIB, told Sky News that the discrepancy is stark - and must urgently be addressed.

She said: "We know a lot of blind and partially sighted people want to be active.

"1 in 3 people with sight loss have activities out there that they want to try, but they haven't been able to.

"You might be surprised to know that 93% of people with sight loss can see something and there's a big misconception about what blind and partially sighted people can do.

"There're so many activities out there for people with sight loss that are inclusive and accessible, it's just really small adaptations is all that's needed.

"There's a whole range of stuff out there for people with sight loss to get involved in. There's never enough, obviously, there's more work to do in the sector."

Accessibility is still a major issue for blind or partially sighted people.

Cyreeta Donaldson has Stargardt disease - a rare genetic eye condition, resulting in her gradually losing her central vision in her 20s.

This drastic change resulted in Cyreeta becoming depressed.

Exercise - particularly running - was her antidote during this period.

However, finding suitable spaces to work out proved to be a struggle.

Cyreeta told Sky News: "I always felt like the gym wasn't accessible to me, because of the machines.

"It was a fear within me (that) I won't be able to see the machines, and people will look at me funny…because I don't use a cane or a dog… so most people don't realise I have sight loss.

"At that point in my life I didn't want people to know I had sight loss. If I go to the gym and I'm fumbling about and I can't see things - people would know.

"So I would stay away from the gym because of that."

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However, sports and inclusivity can - and occasionally do - go hand in hand.

Goalball is a prime example of this.

The game is a three-a-side team sport for blind and partially blind athletes. It is similar to football - but smaller - and all competitors must sit on the floor and wear eye shades to ensure equal playing conditions.

Unlike football, the ball has bells inside so it can be tracked by the players through sound.

Similarly, the court's markings are tactile - and therefore can be felt by participants.

Tom Britton is the head coach of the Croysutt Warriors Goalball team in Croydon.

Like those he coaches, Tom is visually impaired.

Many years ago, Tom was a chef. A job he loved. However, as his eyesight gradually declined - he was forced to quit.

Ever since Tom has turned to coaching goalball - and hasn't looked back since.

He said: "When visually impaired people become isolated… it does become very lonely. It becomes hard to find people to talk to. Especially if you don't have visual cues in the conversation itself.

"But then you come into a sport that's designed specifically for the visually impaired and you kind of almost feel at home…You now don't have to explain to someone sorry I can't see you, sorry that's my visual impairment. Everyone just knows. It's unsaid things that matter to everybody."

While the community spirit is indeed strong, it needs to be matched with funding, and social awareness, the club organisers tell Sky News.

Clearly, there's some progress. But still - a long way to go.