The daughter of a Berkshire blind veteran has set herself a New Year resolution to complete the Three Peaks Challenge in 2026 to raise money for Blind veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women, which supports her dad.
Anna Middleton-Jones, 21, and from London, will attempt to reach the top of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in just 24 hours in April.
Anna says:
“In December 2023 my dad suddenly lost his sight. It happened completely out of nowhere and changed our lives overnight. Over the space of just ten days, dad’s eyesight deteriorated rapidly and by the time I realised how serious it was, his vision had gone completely pitch black – no light, no shapes, no shadows and it is still like that today.
“I was away in Thailand at the time, on my first holiday as a young adult; being so far away and realising what was happening was devastating.”
Anna’s dad, Mark, 62, from Slough, joined the Army straight from school in 1981 and served for 16 years with the Royal Regiment of Wales. It was in December 2023 that Mark noticed something was wrong. In January 2024, Mark was admitted to hospital and stayed there for five weeks.
Anna says:
“When I got back from Thailand and my dad was admitted to hospital, I travelled to visit him every week even though we didn’t live close. It was heartbreaking to see my dad going through something so sudden and lifechanging. We didn’t know what the future would look like for my dad, or how he would adapt to losing his sight so suddenly.”
Mark’s sight loss was caused by damage to his optical nerves. He says:
“When I lost my sight, I felt very insecure and I didn’t know what to do. It wasn’t a nice feeling to suddenly be in the dark after spending my whole life being able to see.”
Fortunately Mark discovered Blind Veterans UK and has been supported by the charity since February 2024. Anna says:
“Blind Veterans UK stepped in and have supported my dad during one of the most difficult times of his life, helping him to rebuild his confidence and find a sense of purpose again.
“Losing his vision changed every part of my dad’s day-to-day life. Simple things he had always done without thinking such as stepping out the front door for a walk, making a cup of tea, choosing clothes to wear, doing the grocery shopping and even calling and texting family and friends became incredibly difficult or impossible. The support he’s had from Blind Veterans UK has helped him to regain his confidence and his independence.”
Blind Veterans UK has provided Mark with a voice-activated phone, a cane, arranged a volunteer to join him for regular walks, helped him to set up payment plans for bills and supported him with his mental health. Mark says:
“Blind Veterans UK provides me with a shoulder to lean on and I really appreciate their visits.”
Anna has decided to take on this challenge to raise vital funds for Blind Veterans UK so the charity can continue to support veterans like her dad. She says:
“The support dad has received from Blind Veterans UK has given us reassurance and hope during an uncertain time and comfort in knowing that he wasn’t facing this life-changing experience alone.
“My dad was very athletic in his prime. He is arctic warfare trained and spent years hiking, training and pushing himself in the mountains. In honour of his achievements, I’ve decided to do something I’ve never done before and challenge myself. I’ve already started my training, and I’ve been advised to complete some nighttime training as I’ll be hiking through the night and in poor weather conditions. Hiking up Ben Nevis in April is still considered the winter season and they’ll be snow at the top.
“Raising money for Blind Veterans UK means a great deal to me because I’ve seen first-hand the difference their support makes. Knowing that this challenge could help others receive the same support is a great motivation.”
Anna is hoping to raise £5,000 for Blind Veterans UK. If you would like to help Anna reach her target you can donate at justgiving.com/page/3peaks4veterans-1
If Anna and Mark’s story has inspired you to take on a challenge for Blind Veterans UK in 2026, you can visit the charity’s website to find out more: blindveterans.org.uk/challenges
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
