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This year (2020) has been one of the most challenging and difficult years in recent history. Everybody is being effected in some capacity and finding any kind of positives is so important. 

Earlier this year, as a family, we participated in the At Home Superhero Tri Series. This is an inspiring event that creates fun sporting events for people with disabilities to be ‘real superheroes’ without restrictions or negativity. We took part in running, walking, rowing, bike riding and scooting, even a little bit of go-karting!

Now we are in another national lockdown, being active and staying positive is more important than ever, so we are doing it all again for the ‘At Home Winter Wonderwheels challenge’. As a family we aim to cover 200KM in various different Different ways. 

As a family we experience  various challenges.

Kelly is registered blind, has epilepsy, a blood condition and a brain injury as the result of 2 strokes in her early 20’s. She served proudly for her country in the British army and was unfortunately medically discharged because of these illnesses. Kelly has faced many challenges because of this but is always keen to challenge herself and inspire others to do the same. Kelly competed in the 2017 & 2018 Invictus Games for Team UK. 

Bethany is 5 and was born 5 weeks premature. Bethany experienced a substantial bleed on the brain that has caused cerebral palsy right side hemiplegia. We did not know whether Bethany would be able to walk. Bethany is amazing and so positive. She walks, runs and rides a trike and Her motto is ‘there is no such word as can’t’.

I (Sarah) look after my two superheroes and they look after me! They inspire me everyday. I have a dodgy knee but it is nothing in comparison to what they face on a daily basis. We are a team and work together in this thing called life and so far....we are doing pretty great!!! 

As a family We would like to raise money and awareness for Blind Veterans UK. Since loosing her sight, Kelly has been supported by Blind Veterans UK in so many ways. Blind Veterans have provided welfare support, advice and guidance in a time that is uncertain, scary and life changing. They have issued equipment and tools that have helped Kelly substantially to adapt to a life with sight loss, such as recoding devices, lighting, magnifiers. Blind Veterans have also been so helpful in backing Kelly and her Sporting endeavours, assisting with coaching and gym equipment. 

Blind Veterans UK is a very special charity to us as a family. All of our needs are considered and we always feel well looked after and supported. Somebody is always available at the end of a phone. Blind Veterans helped us all when Bethany was born and helped to relocate us so we could be closer to family, Blind Veterans were there when Kelly was having tests and treatment for cancer. The list is endless. 

Bethany has loved visiting her ‘holiday home’ in Llandudno, where Blind Veterans have an amazing rest-bite and holiday facility in beautiful North Wales setting. Visiting there has helped us unwind as a family, whilst feeling fully supported, safe and well looked after. 

We want to help raise money and awareness for the work this wonderful charity does for so many. This year, more than ever people will be experiencing isolation, fear, loneliness and uncertainty. This is increased massively for people experiencing sight loss. Despite all the lockdowns, furloughs etc people still need support and these charities need help to maintain the important life line they provide. The majority of Blind Veterans are of an older age and we need to ensure they continue getting the help they need and deserve. 

Thank you Blind Veterans UK for everything you do for us and so many.... and long may it continue. 

Thank you to everybody for your on-going support. 

Best wishes

Sarah, Kelly, Bethany & Edi & Archie 🐾

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