A team of 9 blind veterans will be taking on the South Coast Ultra, 7-8 September 2024.

WHY THEY ARE TAKING ON THE CHALLENGE:

Sight loss can be devastating. Many blind veterans experience a loss of confidence, independence, physical and mental well-being. Completing simple everyday tasks previously taken for granted can become impossible and taking part in activities that gave a sense of purpose and identity can seem unrealistic.

Blind Veterans UK provides support, rehabilitation, training and equipment to ensure each veteran is able to lead an independent and fulfilling life after sight loss.

THE CHALLENGERS & THEIR CHALLENGES:

The South Downs National Park will provide a superb backdrop as the veterans take on one of three epic challenges along a 100k route.

The Ultra 100k:

Experienced challengers Andy Leitch, Alan Lock and Dave Woollett will joined by 100k ‘newbies’ Chris Kennedy and Wayne Perry in hiking the full 100k over the 2 days! To ensure they are ready for this epic route the pair recently completed a Rehab Week at our Rustington Centre, where our Wellbeing Support Team helped them learn more about nutrition, footcare, building stamina and equipped them with plenty of advice and tips to help them stick to a training programme prepared for each veteran. The group also completed a number of training walks including 21km from the Rustington Centre to Angmering Park Estate and 29km from Shoreham to Bignor to give them confidence for the challenge ahead and experience of the varying terrains they would encounter – an element that is particularly testing for someone with sight loss.

The Ultra 57k:

Richard Cruice, Peter O’Malley and Ian Summers will be hiking the 57k from Eastbourne to Hove Park on day one of the event.

Although both have completed shorter walking challenges this will be the first time Peter and Ian have taken on a challenge of this distance.

For Richard - six years have passed since he completed Blind Veterans UK’s 100k London to Brighton Walk, but following attendance at the Rehab Week he feels ready to take on the challenge.

The 25k Ultra:

Although no stranger to fundraising – blind veteran Jill Humphries already raises funds in her local area via charity collections, events and other activities – this will be her first physical fundraising challenge for Blind Veterans UK. The route will see her join her 100k team-mates for the first quarter of their challenge. Taking her from Eastbourne along the coast to climb the Severn Sisters before heading to her finish line in Alfriston - she is certainly not taking the gentle stroll option!

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE TEAM:

As well as reaching the finishing line, the team are hoping that completion of their challenges will help raise awareness of the support provided by Blind Veterans UK and the impact it has – and continues to have – on blind veterans like themselves. They also want to ensure other veterans can benefit in the future from experiences such as Rehab Weeks and participation in events such as this.

Look out for their stories in the updates to find out the impact taking on this challenge will have on them and how Blind Veterans UK have supported them since losing their sight.

Make a donation

The team are hoping to raise a minimum of £600 – the equivalent of the cost of a veteran attending the Rustington Centre Rehab Week.

Spread the word!

Share our veterans stories and this JustGiving page on your own social media accounts.

Take on your own challenge

Inspired by our veterans? Why not take on your own challenge? Registration for the South Coast Ultra 2024 is available until 31st July and 2025 is already open. Select Option 4 to obtain your own place and fundraise what you can for Blind Veterans UK. Email fundraising@blindveterans.org.uk to let us know you've signed up and we'll send you everything you need to help you prepare and support our veterans.