Shannon Ryan. Credit: The Blind Foundation

Kiwi TV presenter and actress Shannon Ryan is taking part in Celebrity Treasure Island, being screened on TV2 this spring, with her visually impaired 14 year-old brother Jack inspiring her charity choice for the show.

All 16 contestants select a charity to support throughout the season, with weekly challenges earning charity funds, as well as the overall winner bagging $100,000 for their cause. Former The Block NZ presenter Ryan picked Blind Foundation Guide Dogs. She said, “I’m supporting the Blind Foundation Guide Dogs because my younger brother is visually impaired and through his experiences, I’ve become aware of the amazing work this charities does, and the incredible importance of training these guide dogs, so they can be someone else’s eyes,” she told TVNZ.

Ryan, former co-host of NZ’s Next Top Model, said she used to watch Celebrity Treasure Island as a kid and was keen to take part in its 2019 reincarnation, especially as it’s for a good cause. When asked if she thinks she has a shot at winning she said, “Would I be here if I didn’t think I could win? I think I could win – I would like to win. I want to get as far as I can, and hopefully come out at the other end with the win.”