A woman from Shropshire ran 10 kilometres for Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women, which she credits with giving her dad back his life after he lost his sight.
Megan Jones, 24, and from Market Drayton, took on the Market Drayton 10k on Sunday 12 May.
She says:
“My friend and I decided to sign up to the race off the cuff, neither of us are runners; we don’t exercise regularly so this was a real personal challenge for us.
“We actually forgot we’d signed up and then got an email to remind us so we ended up winging it on the day but were determined we’d complete it even if we were crying at the end!
“I finished in one hour and 43 minutes which is better than I was expecting. I was really struggling for a few kilometres and my legs are sore the morning after but I’m proud of myself.
“I wanted to do it in support of Blind Veterans UK as the charity is very close to my heart. My dad was blinded 23 years ago, just days before my first birthday, while serving in the Army. Since then, Blind Veterans UK has been instrumental in my dad’s recovery, and they effectively gave him his life back and then some.
“Without the charity, my dad wouldn’t be the person he is today and we, as a family, can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done for him.”
Megan’s dad, Clive Jones, has been supported by Blind Veterans UK since 2001.
Megan says:
“My dad has been given life changing help with independent living skills, mobility and adaptive technology. They also helped him come to terms with his blindness and helped him mentally recover. All this has allowed him to become as independent as he can be.
“They’ve also got him into sport, he has represented Great Britain with his archery, it’s given him a new lease of life.
“It’s hard to put into words just how much the charity has done. I did this as my way of thanking them so that more veterans can live an independent life after sight loss just like my dad.”
Megan has already raised £535 for Blind Veterans UK. If you would like to support her please visit her Just Giving page: justgiving.com/page/megs10kforblindveteransuk
If you are inspired to take on your own challenge in June for Armed Forces Month please visit the Blind Veterans UK website for details on how you can get involved: blindveterans.org.uk/armedforcesmonth
Blind Veterans UK supports thousands of blind veterans across the country, but knows there are many thousands more who still need its 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/gethelp
