A blind veteran and his great niece, both from East Sussex, are taking part in a special fundraising event which follows a 10 mile route through Brighton this March, raising money for a military charity.
Jane and her great uncle Reg, 92, from Halland have decided to step up to the plate to help raise funds to deliver support to blind veterans across the country and are encouraging others to join them in supporting the charity.
Jane, who is Reg’s main carer, says:
“We wanted to do this because Blind Veterans UK is such a fantastic facility for those who have sight loss and my great uncle Reg loves coming here as he knows that he’s going to be well looked after.
“It’s something else I can do with my great uncle – his health isn’t particularly great and he loves the sea, so it’s going to be a great trip out for him. We have a great laugh – we’re a natural comedy act. He always winds me up.”
Reg started to receive support from the charity in 2009, when he lost his sight due to macular degeneration. An Army veteran, Reg served in the Service Corps as a driver and quartermaster sergeant. Following the Second World War, his service saw him posted to Palestine where he was awarded a medal recognising his personal bravery for an incident in which he saved a corporal from a burning vehicle.
Reg will be supported on the walk by Jane who will be pushing his wheelchair. He says:
“I must have Jane, I wouldn’t go without her. We don’t go anywhere apart. She’s a very good carer, she responds to all my needs. Nobody could care for me better than her.”
With walks organised in London, Martock, The National Memorial Arboretum, Llandudno and Brighton on 30 March, Blind Veterans UK has also challenged people around the country to attempt a target of 100 miles over the whole month of March. For those who can’t commit to the 30 March walks, the challenge allows walkers to walk wherever and whenever they want – making it flexible for all.
You can find out more information about the challenge and sign up at blindveterans.org.uk/marchforveterans
Whether taking on the challenge individually or as part of a group, participants can join Reg and Jane to raise funds for Blind Veterans UK and help the thousands of blind veterans the charity still hasn’t reached.
Blind Veterans UK helps vision-impaired ex-Service men and women of every generation rebuild their lives after sight loss. Since 1915, the charity has provided rehabilitation, training, practical advice and emotional support to tens of thousands of blind veterans.
It currently supports more blind veterans than ever before in the charity’s history, but it knows there are many more who still need its support to rebuild their lives following their sight loss.
Notes to Editor
Blind Veterans UK helps vision-impaired ex-Service men and women of every generation rebuild their lives after sight loss. Since 1915, we’ve provided rehabilitation, training, practical advice and emotional support to tens of thousands of blind veterans.
Find out more at: blindveterans.org.uk and follow us on Facebook at: facebook.com/blindveteransuk and on Twitter at: twitter.com/blindveterans.
Ailie MacDonald Wilson, Regional Marcomms Executive (South East), 07599 535484 / ailie.macdonaldwilson@blindveterans.org.uk
