To mark National Volunteering Week, a group of volunteers in South Wales have come together to plan a five-kilometre sponsored walk to raise awareness of volunteering opportunities with Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women.
The volunteers will be taking to the pathways around Bute Park in Cardiff between 10am and 3pm on 18 June.
Olga Jaroszewicz, Volunteer Coordinator for Blind Veterans UK in South Wales, says:
“Volunteers play an essential role in our team; they provide invaluable support to our veterans offering transport, assistance and companionship which helps to reduce social isolation.
“Our volunteers make a life-changing difference without even realising it. Whenever I visit one of our veterans who receives help from a volunteer, I always hear how deeply appreciated that support is.
“Their dedication and selflessness truly make a difference, and we are incredibly grateful for everything they do which is why I wanted to organise this event to bring them together and to celebrate them.”
During the walk, the volunteers are hoping to speak to other park visitors and to tell them about the work of the charity and their volunteering roles while also coming together to raise money for the charity they all care about.
Among those taking part are blind veteran Noeline Charlesworth and her husband John, who both volunteer for the charity. Noeline runs a lunch club in Cardiff bringing together blind veterans for a regular social meet up. John volunteers as a driver escorting blind veterans to the club or to vital appointments.
Noeline, 73, has been supported by Blind Veterans UK for five years after she lost her eyesight due to macular degeneration. She says:
“I began to be supported by the charity just as the Covid pandemic led to the country being locked down but throughout 2020, I was regularly contacted by staff from the charity who checked up on me to make sure I was ok.
“These people had never met me. Once we were allowed to meet again, I decided I wanted to do something to give back and show others the kindness and companionship that I’d been given.”
Another volunteer, Phil Tavener, has been a driver for around a year. He says: “I wanted to volunteer because it’s a worthy cause and I found I had time on my hands.
“Volunteering means a lot to me; it gives me a sense of achievement. If you have a heart of compassion and a spirit of empathy, volunteering for Blind Veterans UK can be a satisfying and rewarding experience. Volunteering enriches the lives of the blind veterans but also my own.”
Joining them on the walk will also be staff from the Cardiff branch of Monmouthshire Building Society who are supporters and volunteers with the charity. Assistant Branch Manager, Catherine Bone, says:
“We wanted to volunteer with Blind Veterans UK because we truly value giving back to the community and making a positive impact wherever we can. Supporting those who have served our country is especially meaningful to us, and we feel it’s important to show appreciation for their sacrifices. We’re also passionate about learning how we can best serve others, and volunteering with Blind Veterans UK gives us the opportunity to grow, connect, and contribute in a way that really matters. It’s a chance to make a difference while honouring those who have given so much.
“As an individual, volunteering with Blind Veterans has been a truly rewarding experience. It’s not only given me the opportunity to offer support, but also to learn directly from the veterans themselves about how we can best assist them. It’s a two-way relationship—while I can provide help, they share their stories, resilience, and teach me how to be more empathetic and aware of the challenges they face. This experience has deepened my understanding of accessibility and strengthened my communication and listening skills.”
The walk will take place during Blind Veterans UK’s Armed Forces Month campaign which calls on people to organise activities to celebrate and commemorate key dates in the month of June, the anniversary of D-Day and Armed Forces Day, while raising vital funds to support its work.
If you would like to make a donation to support Olga and the volunteers with their fundraising please visit their Just Giving page: JustGiving.com/page/vol5k
If you would like to find out more about the volunteering opportunities available with Blind Veterans UK you can visit the charity’s website: blindveterans.org.uk/volunteer
You can also contact Olga for more information about volunteering for the charity in South Wales: Email olga.jaroszewicz@blindveterans.org.uk
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
