Aiming high!

In 2024, the editor of the Hereford Times invited RNC students to contribute to the paper's 'Talking Point' column. We are pleased to announce that this will continue throughout 2025, with the support of RNC teachers Heloise Kirby and Claire Rees.

Pictured: Humna during an acoustic target shooting session

Following contributions from Raven and Sonali in 2024, student Humna wrote a piece for the 4 January edition. Humna wrote about acoustic target shooting, which you can read below.

We are incredibly grateful to the Hereford Times for offering this opportunity to our students. It's a valuable enrichment activity that enhances writing skills and confidence and will also be an excellent addition to university applications and CVs.

Hereford Times Talking Point: Humna Hussain

My name is Humna, a student at the Royal National College for the Blind, Herefordshire. Originally from Surrey, I have never been the most athletic person, but I always enjoyed participating in various sports. I enjoyed PE lessons at school and have engaged in running and indoor rock climbing. However, as I developed gMG, my love for sports was put on hold.

Generalised Myasthenia Gravis (gMG) is a long-term condition that causes muscle weakness. This rare condition can affect muscles in many parts of the body. For myself, it affects the muscles that control my eyes, chewing, speaking, breathing, and the movement of my arms and legs.

I was introduced to acoustic target shooting at RNC, which is a specialist boarding college for the blind and vision impaired, in September 2022. My Acoustic Shooting Coach, Jim Wallis, Sports Massage and Anatomy and Physiology Teacher, said:

'Target shooting is a wonderful way to be active, help improve your strength and concentration, while also acting as a stress reliever. These are some of the reasons why I wanted to introduce shooting to RNC. It is also extremely accessible not just for blind or visually impaired shooters but for those with limited mobility.'

Acoustic target shooting is remarkably similar to regular riffle shooting. The sport uses the same scoring system and a standard 177 air rifle, aiming lead pellets at a target ten metres away. However, instead of being connected to a visual sight, competitors are guided by an audible one. The closer to the centre of the target the higher the pitch of the sound. Shooters can compete standing or sitting and this was particularly useful during my initial stages of gMG, when I hadn’t yet managed the stability in my limbs. The fact that I am now standing when shooting gives me positive encouragement for the future. I would recommend the sport because of the sense of release from the careful control required, which is great for everyone, sighted or not.