A blind veteran from Somerset has conquered running 10k and already raised over £1,400 for Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision impaired ex-Service men and women.
A blind veteran from Somerset has conquered running 10k and already raised over £1,400 for Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision impaired ex-Service men and women.
Wayne Pope, 44 and from Bridgwater, took on the challenge to complete Worthing Runfest on 4 May, just two and a half years after he was diagnosed with a rare sight loss disease that turned his life upside down. Wayne crossed the finish line in one hour and one minute.
Wayne says:
“The run took place just a few days before a very significant date for many of my fellow blind veterans. The 80th anniversary of VE Day on 8 May and I am buzzing that I was able to finish the run and show everyone what us blind veterans can achieve while also honouring our Second World War heroes at such an important time.
“I went into the race feeling confident as I’d put in a lot of time and effort on my training and received great support and advice from Theresa Farley and Rich Phinbow who work for Blind Veterans UK as part of the charity’s physical wellbeing team and also joined me as my guide runners on the day.
“The beginning of the race was a crazy experience, trying to run amongst so many people in a small space was challenging with sight loss but with the support of my guides, I was able to navigate safely in the crowd. The atmosphere was electric – there was a DJ playing music that you could hear on most of the course and lots of people lining the streets to cheer us all on.
“I could hear ‘Keep going Wayne’ being shouted which really spurred me on. There was a near catastrophe with only 300 metres left when I rolled my ankle and started to fall but my guide helped me stay on my feet with only my right knee hitting the deck.
“I would’ve been heartbroken if, after all my training and the support I’d received from friends, family and the public, I’d gotten so close to the finish line and not been able to finish.”
Since being diagnosed with the degenerative eye condition, retinitis pigmentosa, Wayne has been supported by the charity Blind Veterans UK.
Wayne says:
“The charity has also supported men and women who were involved in securing victory in Europe. Those soldiers, sailors and pilots had no choice, failure wasn’t an option. They gave their lives – and many their sight – to secure our freedom.
“I’m immensely proud that the money I have raised for completing this challenge will ensure that veterans like them, and those who followed, will continue to receive life changing support as I have.”
Wayne served in the Royal Navy for four and a half years as an able seaman warfare specialist on board HMS Chatham and HMS Monmouth.
He was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa in December 2022. The condition worsens over time and can affect vision in a number of ways such as night blindness, trouble adjusting to light changes, difficulty seeing colours and narrowed peripheral vision.
“My life changed completely when I got my diagnosis; it all came as a shock. I’d walked into the consultant’s office as an independent man and walked out knowing my life was going to change. I lost my confidence and sense of purpose. I was in tears, my life turned upside down, not knowing how to digest what I’d just been told. I just didn’t understand the disease or how I would go forward.”
In Spring 2023, Wayne discovered Blind Veterans UK while searching on the internet for support. He says:
“In the short time I’ve been supported by the charity, I’ve received rehabilitation, advice and equipment that have helped me to get back into running, playing my guitar and completing everyday activities that I took for granted before. I’ve been offered tips to overcome the difficulties presented by my sight loss and Specsavers have provided me with specially adapted yellow tinted prescription glasses.
“The staff and my fellow veterans are a huge support. Someone is always on the end of the phone if I need them and the other blind veterans I’ve met are going to be friends for life.
“While staying at the charity’s centre in Rustington, I was asked to share some of the things I’d like to achieve that seemed out of reach to me because of my sight loss. I shared my dream of taking part in the London Marathon.
“The wellbeing team at the centre offered to support my aspirations by helping me train and prepare for the Worthing 10km, with a view to being able to take part in the London Marathon alongside other blind veterans in 2026. I’m also planning to take part in the Littlehampton 10k in August.
“I certainly don’t have an end game in mind for this journey. The whole experience – the training and preparation, the fundraising and the race itself has been life changing for me. It’s shown me that anything can be achieved if you have the right mindset, support from great people, and you’re willing to put the work in to make it happen.”
There is still time to support Wayne, please visit his Just Giving page: justgiving.com/page/wayne-pope.
Wayne was one of many veterans and supporters who have taken on activities to commemorate and celebrate VE Day while raising vital funds for Blind Veterans UK. Maybe you would like to take on a challenge for Armed Forces Day or Remembrance. Visit the charity’s website to find out how you can get involved: blindveterans.org.uk/fundraise
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
