The Ultra Blindfolded Bimble:

On 29th June 2025, I will be stepping out on the Shanklin coastal path to lead an ‘Ultra’ Blindfolded Bimble. I will be walking with friends and family who will be taking it in turns to wear blindfolds and guide each other, with an aim to cover a combined distance of at least 102 kilometres – the equivalent of the distance (as the crow flies) from my home in Shanklin, Isle of Wight to Blind Veterans UK’s Rustington Centre and back.

As a proud veteran myself (I served with2PWRR, the Infantry regiment for the South) the timing of the challenge is very significant. The walk takes place during Blind Veterans UK’s Armed Forces Month and less than a week before National Armed Forces Day.

The Ultra Blindfolded Bimble is an opportunity to come together to celebrate the efforts of our forces and thank them for their sacrifices - and those of their families -as well as raise vital awareness and funds for Blind Veterans UK.

Why I’ve gone ‘Ultra’ for Blind Veterans UK

In 2024, I invited family and friends to join me for one turn of this route, walking in pairs, with each person taking it in turns to walk under blindfold while guided by their partner. The experience gave them an insight into the impact of sight loss and a better understanding of how much the support I’ve received from Blind Veterans UK has helped me.

For those who don’t know, Blind Veterans UK is a charity that supports veterans with sight loss, no matter when or how they have lost their sight. They provide practical advice, training, equipment and – most importantly – the belief that you can lead an independent and fulfilling life after sight loss.

The challenge of sight loss is ongoing and Blind Veterans UK have been there for me to help over any new barriers sight loss sets for me and will be there for my life time. That’s why I want the challenge to go even further this year and – hopefully – raise even more than we did in 2024 (just over £580!).

How you can help

I want to help ensure other blind veterans can receive life changing support for years to come and you can help me do that in the following ways;

- Make a donation via my page – all funds go directly to the charity.

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

- Want to organise your own ‘Blindfolded Bimble’ walk or another activity closer to home during Armed Forces Month? Visit Armed Forces Month - Blind Veterans UK

- Join me! If you live on the Isle of Wight, come and walk with me* and get sponsored to raise your own funds – contact fundraising@blindveterans.org.uk to request a sponsor form and other fundraising materials. We will be stepping off at 10am from Shanklin end of the coastal path – it would be great to ‘see’ as many of you there as possible so to speak! We aim to be finished by 5pm - but will stay on longer if required to meet the distance.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

*Disclaimer: Those choosing to walk with me are doing so at their own fruition and are responsible for their own health and safety.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.