Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On 21st April 2024 I will be taking on the London Marathon to raise vital funds for Blind Veterans UK.

The London Marathon is one of the most well-known running challenges in the world. Not only will completing this challenge hopefully help me make a difference to the lives of blind veterans – it will also be a significant personal milestone.

Those who know me will recall the debilitating back problems/pain I’ve experienced in the past and at times this made it difficult for me to walk let alone imagine taking on a challenge like this. Despite operations in 2003 and 2012 I still get a considerable amount of pain but during my training I have found that running actually helps. However, with many hours and miles of training, 26.2 miles is still a hefty ask!

Knowing I’m doing this for Blind Veterans UK and that I have your support will help keep me determined and focused.

About Blind Veterans UK

Blind Veterans UK is the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women.

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.

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

Our 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, we can help. We 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.

We have two dedicated centres in Brighton and Llandudno that provide vital rehabilitation, training and respite care to promote independence and well-being. As well as providing free specialist equipment, we also support veterans to find new hobbies such as cooking, art and craft or a new sport.

While our charity initially cared for veterans blinded in active Service, today we help veterans no matter what caused their sight loss.   

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.

If you, or someone you know, served in the Armed Forces, including National Service, and are now struggling with sight loss, then please get in touch. Call 0800 389 7979 or visit blindveterans.org.uk/support   

Please donate what you can (and share my page on your social media channels) in helping me make a difference for veterans rebuilding their lives after sight loss.

Thank you for all your support.

Simon.

For more information about the charity and how the money raised can make a difference visit Veterans' stories - Blind Veterans UK

@blindveteransuk on Facebook

@blindveterans on Twitter

@blind.veterans on Instagram

@blind-veterans-uk on LinkedIn

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