The Challenge

On 6 September I will be taking on the South Coast Ultra – a 57km hike from Eastbourne to Brighton Hove. The route will cover challenging terrain, with a total climb of 1250m as I make my way along the coastline, over the Seven Sisters and across a large section of the South Downs.

This challenge will be made even tougher by my sight loss.

I experienced a brain injury that resulted in a severe visual cortex disorder. This, combined with other sight conditions I have developed, means my sight is extremely limited. I can see outlines of shadows and certain colours but nothing that would enable me to navigate my way safely without the aid of a cane or sighted guide.

I will be taking on the challenge with the support of Blind Veterans UK and alongside 9 other blind veterans. The challenge is the culmination of vigorous mobility and physical training we have undertaken during residential weeks at their Rustington Centre. During those weeks, we have developed skills and confidence that will help us in our everyday lives.

The challenge is particularly special to me as I am coming up to my first-year anniversary of the end of a 3 year hospital stay as a result of my brain injury. I am lucky to be alive as there was a point where doctors considered turning off my life support – look at where I am now!

Why I’m Supporting Blind Veterans UK:

Sight loss can be devastating. It strips many of their confidence and can result in isolation and a need to rely on others for assistance with the simplest of tasks. When I first discovered that my sight loss was permanent, I knew I would need to take every opportunity that came my way in order to lead a ‘normal’ life. I knew it wouldn’t be easy and didn’t even really know what there was available to help me overcome the barriers presented by my sight loss.

With the help of my sister Tania, I found Blind Veterans UK. Blind Veterans UK is a charity that offers rehabilitation, training, equipment and opportunities to blind veterans to ensure they are able to lead independent and fulfilling lives beyond sight loss.

I began receiving support from Blind Veterans UK in September 2024. What they’ve helped me achieve in less than a year is phenomenal. I’ve been provided with equipment such as liquid level indicators, an accessible phone, a device that can read my mail and other printed documents to me, cane training and opportunities to attend residential weeks at their Rustington Centre. They’ve helped me take part in activities and learn skills I thought would be impossible with sight loss. I’ve gone from not being able to make a coffee for myself to cooking for myself and taking part in activities like white water rafting!

I will complete the 57km for Blind Veterans UK, as they have done so much for me, even if I have to crawl over the line on my hands and knees!

How you can help:

Thanks to Blind Veterans UK I have been given the opportunity to have my life again and I want to give back to the charity to ensure they can support other veterans like me.

I’m aiming to raise a minimum of £500 – the equivalent of the cost of one of the residential weeks I’ve spent at their Rustington Centre.

My hope is to raise £1,000 or more so that more veterans like me can benefit from these invaluable experiences, equipment and rehabilitation.

Here’s how you can help:

- Make a donation: Whatever amount you can give will make a difference. £6 could purchase ‘Bump-ons’ to help make ordinary household equipment accessible. £10 could purchase a liquid level indicator to help a veteran make a drink safely. £30 could cover the cost of a white cane. £250 could cover the cost of a home visit from a trained rehabilitation officer.

- Share my story by sharing this Just Giving page on your social media channels.

- If you’re able, why not take on your own challenge for Blind Veterans UK. Visit their website to find out more.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my page and thank you for your donation!