Darren will walk 10 miles blindfolded across Oxfordshire alongside his husband Andreas, who is blind, as part of MyVision Oxfordshire’s Walk Oxford event to raise funds for the sight loss charity.

Darren said: “I want to get even a small glimpse into my husband’s daily reality.

“He’s blind, and although I’m with him every day, I know there’s a world of difference between watching him navigate life and actually experiencing it myself.

“By walking 10 miles under a blindfold, I’m putting myself in his shoes – and the shoes of so many others – to understand the focus and trust it really takes to get around.”

Andreas, who works for MyVision Oxfordshire, said the walk is about showing that sight loss does not have to be a limitation in life.

He said: “I know firsthand how isolating it can feel, and how much of a difference it makes when someone is there to help you find your footing.

“10 miles feels like a small thing to do for a charity that means so much to me, and for every person out there facing sight loss who just needs to know they don’t have to face it alone.”

All funds raised will support MyVision Oxfordshire’s services, including assistive technology training and ‘Green Walks’ nature outings for people with sight loss.

Members of the public are encouraged to join or donate to the Walk Oxford challenge.

In January, it was announced that the cook, who lives in Moreton-in-Marsh just over the Oxfordshire border, would bow out of the Channel 4 show after nine series and judging more than 400 challenges.

The 86-year-old has been a judge on the popular baking show alongside Paul Hollywood since 2017, when the series moved from the BBC to Channel 4, replacing Henley resident Dame Mary Berry.

READ MORE: Mary Berry finds ‘peace’ after ‘joy’ at retirement home

It was then announced on Monday, January 26, that Oxford University graduate Nigella Lawson will replace her as the judge on the Bake Off.

Now, Dame Prue has shared details about a costly career setback, while in conversation with Heat Magazine.

“People think I’ve had nothing but success because I’m very quick to tell them about the wins, but I don’t tell them about the failures,” she said.

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“I once got a contract to do all the catering in Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. I had this idea that people would love to have some smoked salmon and a glass of Chardonnay.

“At the time, the public were into the slimy burgers from a van and horrible coffee in plastic cups – they didn’t want decent food.

“I lost a lot of money. I have had failures, but I’m glad to see I’ve had more successes.”

Within These Walls, written by Janet Bolam, explores life inside a mental health institution through the stories of two patients.

The play is a collaboration between Human Story Theatre and Oxford Health Charity to mark the 200th anniversary of Warneford Hospital in Headington.

Amy Enticknap, co-founder and creative producer at Human Story Theatre, said: “Within These Walls reflects on the lives of those who lived within institutional walls, the people who cared for them, and the enduring healing power of human connection.

“The production offers a powerful lens on changing attitudes to mental health care, resilience, and dignity across generations.”

Described as ‘compassionate and deeply human,’ the play examines historical treatments, personal struggles, and the connections formed under difficult circumstances.

It follows two patients, Stu and Lucy, who develop a bond while navigating their experiences within the institution.

The production will run for two weeks from June 23 to July 4 in the former chapel at Warneford Hospital.

Proceeds from ticket sales will support the work of Oxford Health Charity.

Following the initial run, three additional performances will take place at the Old Fire Station theatre in Oxford from July 10 to 12.

Each showing will include a post-performance panel discussion featuring mental health professionals, guest experts, and the opportunity for audience members to take part in the conversation.