Dean Nicholson – Blind Rider
Born in Wollongong and raised in Tamworth, Dean Nicholson has never let his blindness stand in the way of him achieving his goals.
Dean was one of six children born to Julie and John Nicholson – and of those six, three had retinitis pigmentosa (a form of tunnel vision).
His condition was diagnosed when he was just 18 month old. As a child he had 10 to 15 per cent vision, then in his teens it deteriorated to about eight per cent and by the time he turned 16 Dean was declared legally blind.
Dean’s parents were determined that all their children were treated equally, so Dean, Lorin and their youngest sister, Louise, all went through the mainstream schooling system and lived normal, active lives – as country kids do.
Always a keen cyclist, Dean has now adapted to his degenerating eyesight and rides a tandem bike, in the company of good friend, Grant Williams.
Dean is the national manager of sustainable solutions for the Bowdens Group – one of Australia’s leading surveying, planning and engineering firms, where his role is to provide advice on how to make development projects more sustainable through new and innovative technology.
Before joining Bowdens, Dean worked in local government in wastewater treatment and wetland operations. He has completed two university degrees – one in business, the other in environmental science.
Dean is married to Janelle and they have four beautiful daughters. He’s looking forward to the challenge ahead of him, riding from Perth to Sydney on the Blind Courage expedition.
March 17th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
Best wishes Deano!
You are such an inspiration to all your friends and work colleagues here at Bowdens Group. We will be with you all the way my friend and look forward to catching up with you in Sydney.
Regards
David Ross
Director-Bowdens Group
March 29th, 2010 at 9:22 pm
Go Dean, make sure Grant doesn’t leave you behind.
March 30th, 2010 at 5:18 pm
Hope you are enjoying this experience! It is for sure a once in a life time event!! Your family misses you already!!!XO
March 31st, 2010 at 2:59 pm
Hey Deano….are we there yet? Keep on pedalling you madman. Wish I was there beside you in the car
March 31st, 2010 at 5:40 pm
heyy dad .. have fun on your trip!! see you in a WHOLE MONTH !!! yeewwww * gives thumbs up * haha.
mum was wrong i dont miss you yet ..
xo
April 3rd, 2010 at 3:52 pm
Hi Dean, it’s making me tired just thinking about what you are up to. We are with you in spirit. Get into it. All the best, Greg (Bowdens Group)
April 3rd, 2010 at 5:12 pm
Hey Deano,
I am reading your blogs every day and keeping up with the news of your journey. Our family is praying for you and everyone’s safety. Keep pedaling just 3,500kms to go. See ya at the finish line in Sydney. Love Geneal
April 18th, 2010 at 6:25 am
Hi Deano, all the best for you both. Hope this is the best experience ever and will bring excelence to your lifes.
April 26th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
Hi Dean
As I said to Lorin we are reading your comments and although we won’t be there to meet you in Sydney, we are with you electronically.
All the best mate