Staffordshire blind veteran completing 100 laps a day around his garden for sight loss charity after being inspired by Captain Tom

A blind veteran from Staffordshire has decided to walk 100 laps a day around his garden to support Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women.

Bob Grocutt, 75 and from Cannock, undertook the challenge when he heard about Captain Tom Moore’s fundraising efforts. He says:

“I decided to do the 100 laps because I was inspired my captain Tom. I thought he’s doing well maybe I could do that! I wanted to do something to help Blind Veterans UK as they have supported me for nearly five years. I can walk with up and down my garden thanks to the white cane that they have given me”.

Bob served in the Army for nine years in the Cheshire Regiment and was discharged as a Corporal in 1972. He lost his sight, many years after his service, suddenly due to a tumour on his pituitary gland.

Fortunately Bob found Blind Veterans UK and has been supported by the charity since 2015. He says: “The charity have been marvellous to me. They trained me to walk with a cane and they were so patient – it’s thanks to them really that I’m able to safely walk up and down my garden! They really need the funds at the moment with everything that’s going on in the world and they do a fantastic job”.

Bob started his challenge on the 20 April and has no plans to stop just yet. He says: “I will keep going 100 laps a day for as long people want me to keep doing it! It’s important to me to raise as much money as I can for the charity so I will keep going”.

To support Bob and help him raise money for Blind Veterans UK, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/grandads-wall-in-the-garden

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic Blind Veterans UK has adapted its service to support its 5,000 beneficiaries, 90% of whom are over 70 and thus being advised by the Government to self-isolate. The National Support Service will help blind veterans through this period of social isolation.

Nicky Shaw, Blind Veterans UK Director of Operations said:

“Having to self-isolate, blind veterans need our help right now with daily tasks, such as the shopping, and constant emotional support through this difficult time. So we are temporarily changing our service and mobilising our staff to provide practical, essential support to help the most vulnerable.”

Nicky Shaw added:

“There is so much that we can and must do to support blind veterans to help them maintain physical and emotional wellbeing, and to feel safe, reassured and cared for during this crisis.”

You can keep updated on Blind Veterans UK’s response to Covid-19 at blindveterans.org.uk/coronavirus where you can also find out more about supporting the charity to make this new service possible.

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.

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