My husband Simon and I are running the London Marathon 2026 for Blind Veterans UK. Blind Veterans UK is the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women.

My Dad has suffered with Macular Degeneration now for many years. He is now extremely severely sighted and the impact on both his life, and my Mum’s, have been huge. Watching this impact on Dad and Mum has been so sad. As a National Service veteran, my Dad has been able to become a member of Blind Veterans UK. The support my parents have received have made such a difference to their lives. They receive regular visits and support from their community support worker as well as being able to attend local lunches and get togethers. They were able to spend a week at the Llandudno hotel, and also at the new rehabilitation centre in Rustington. Meeting others in the same position as themselves has also been so important for them. Blind Veterans have been an invaluable source of support to my parents, and we would like to be able to give something back so that they can continue this support for others.

Individually, Simon and I hope to each raise £2500, and are so grateful for any support you are able to give us to support this wonderful charity.

Sadly, since gaining our Marathon places with Blind Veterans last year, Dad sadly passed away in October. It now means even more to me that I am able to raise as much money as possible, in Dad’s memory, for this very special charity .

Founded in 1915 and previously known as St Dunstan's, Blind Veterans UK has supported tens of thousands of Armed Forces and National Service veterans of every generation to rebuild their lives after sight loss.

Blind Veterans help veterans learn vital life skills and give them the tools they need to discover a life after sight loss. They do this by giving veterans the rehabilitation, training, practical advice and emotional support they need to live independent lives.

Beneficiaries range from National Service veterans who lost their sight later in life due to age-related conditions, to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans blinded on duty. It doesn't matter when a veteran served or how they lost their sight. Blind Veterans UK also provide services to carers and family members, whether in the form of information and advice, or by simply giving them the opportunity to take a break.

Blind Veterans UK has a network of community support teams all over the UK who give blind veterans the rehabilitation and training they need closer to them, either in their own home or in their local area. We organise activities and events such as lunches, reunions and clubs, which gives our veterans the opportunity to be part of a community with a shared experience.

They have a dedicated centre in Rustington that provides vital rehabilitation, training and respite care to promote independence and well-being. As well as providing free specialist equipment, they also support veterans to find new hobbies such as cooking, art and craft or a new sport.

Blind Veterans UK supports thousands of blind veterans across the country, but we know there are thousands more who still need our support to rebuild their lives after sight loss.

https://www.blindveterans.org.uk/