A blind veteran from Somerset is taking on the London Marathon on 26 April, just three years after losing his sight. He is running to raise awareness of Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision impaired ex-Service men and women, which has supported him since the life-changing moment he received his diagnosis.
Wayne Pope, 45 and from Bridgwater, will be taking on the iconic 26.2-mile route alongside four other blind veterans. Together they will demonstrate the amazing achievements that are possible after sight loss.
Over 30 supporters will also be joining the Blind Veterans UK team and together will run to raise awareness of the work of the charity and fundraise to ensure more blind veterans like Wayne can receive support.
This will be Wayne’s first ever marathon; something he considered out of reach following his sight loss but with the support of Blind Veterans UK, Wayne began to believe in himself and follow his dream.
Wayne says:
“The wellbeing team at Blind Veterans UK’s centre in Rustington offered to support my aspirations by helping me train and prepare for the Worthing 10k in May 2025, with a view to being able to take part in the London Marathon alongside other blind veterans in 2026 and here I am and I’m buzzing to get going.
“The Worthing 10k was my first step towards this goal; I went into the race feeling confident as I’d put in a lot of time and effort into 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; they also joined me as my guide runners on the day.
“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. Lots of people had lined 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 showed everyone what us blind veterans can achieve and am excited to do that again in London.
“I’m a bit nervous but I’m ready to go. Knowing I’ll be there and how far I’ve come on this journey is incredible. I’ll once again have Rich from Blind Veterans UK as my guide. It’s getting real now but I know I can square this away. I’ve completed a few big runs now to build up my endurance.”
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.
Wayne says:
“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 charity 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. The London Marathon is the latest step in my rehabilitation journey and to be doing it alongside some of the blind veterans I have met and that I admire makes it even more special.”
Wayne has already exceeded his fundraising target of £500. If you would like to help him raise even more money, please visit his Just Giving page: JustGiving.com/page/waynesLM26
If Wayne has inspired you to take on the London Marathon in 2027 for Blind Veterans UK, you can find out more on the charity’s website: blindveterans.org.uk/LondonMarathon
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
