A charity volunteer from Oxfordshire rode across Ireland in two days to fundraise for Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women, who he volunteers for as a driver.
Eddy Edwards, 74 and from Faringdon, set off from Dublin and travelled 160 miles to Galway with only a one-man bag shelter, a burner to boil water and some food supplies.
As a volunteer for Blind Veterans UK, Eddy transports blind veterans to social events which prevent isolation by ensuring veterans can come together to share their stories and enjoy one another’s company.
Eddy says:
“I served in the Army for 23 years and, in that time, I completed postings in Northern Ireland, Germany, the Falkland Islands and Hong Kong. I was the second only person in the REME’s history to serve as an instructor at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and to get there I had to do every course they could throw at me.
“I’ve volunteered for Blind Veterans UK for around eight years now. I find it really enjoyable; not only am I supporting my fellow veterans, but I get to experience the military banter once again and the veterans are such good company. I love interacting with them and hearing their stories all about their service history”
During Eddy’s challenge he was completely solo and unsupported but was blown away by the kindness shown to him en route.
He says:
“On my first night, I arrived in Lucan as it was getting dark. I knocked on a door to ask for directions and ended up being offered a barn to sleep in for the night, it was five-star straw! It was torrential rain, so I was very glad of the cover.
“The rain woke me at 1am and I was back on the road an hour later. I cycled all of that day before asking a man if he knew of anywhere I could camp and ended up being offered his motorhome, a cup of tea and a sausage butty.
“Everyone I met was so kind along the way. Every time I stopped for water, people were offering me food and a cuppa. If anyone has lost faith in humanity, doing something like this certainly restores your faith in the kindness of others.”
If you would like to help Eddy reach his £500 target, you can visit his JustGiving page: justgiving.com/page/eddyscyclesireland
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
