A team of work colleagues from Staffordshire are set to jump from a plane on 18 May to raise money for Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision impaired ex-Service men and women.
The group of six work for Keele based Thea Pharmaceuticals. Thea is now in its tenth year of supporting Blind Veterans UK. This group wanted to take on a challenge this May to mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day and to remember and celebrate blind veterans who took part in the Second World War as well as those who have served since.
Over the years, Thea colleagues have raised money for Blind Veterans UK in a variety of ways including bike rides, bake sales, marathons and even donkey walking raising a total of £63,000. For some of those taking on the VE Day Skydive it will be the first time they have braved the descent from a plane. Each participant has their own thoughts on completing the challenge.
Navneet Gupta says:
“This May marks the 80-year anniversary of VE Day – the end of the Second World War. It’s easy to forget the significance of these events when you weren’t alive to see it for yourself, but it’s because of the sacrifice of so many men and women at that time, that we can live the lives we do today. So, I thought, what better way to show some support than by taking a dive out of a plane!
“Blind Veterans UK works tirelessly to help and serve those who fought for us and sacrificed the most precious of senses – their sight – during the process. It’s a very worthy cause and working in eyecare all my career, I want people to realise just how precious sight is and that it shouldn’t be taken for granted.”
Maria Veleva explains why she choose to take part in the team challenge:
“The skydive represents overcoming fear and pushing boundaries. It’s a powerful metaphor for the challenges faced by those with sight loss and the courage they show every day. This is an incredible opportunity to challenge myself and to show my support for Blind Veterans UK.
“Stepping out of the plane and facing that fear of falling will definitely push me out of my comfort zone. However, the adrenaline and the cause we are supporting will keep me focussed and motivated.
“My time working with Thea and interacting with Blind Veterans UK has really opened my eyes to the daily challenges people with sight loss face. It’s not just about the physical impact; it affects independence, mental health, and the ability to connect with the world around them.”
Over the last 10-years, many of the employees of Thea have had the opportunity to meet veterans supported by Blind Veterans UK and to see first-hand how the money they have been raising is used.
Helen Walker says:
“I’m in the administration team at head office and regularly talk to customers who have issues with eye health and sight. Supporting Blind Veterans UK has given me such a good understanding of how people manage their lives with sight loss and cope with everyday tasks and meeting the veterans is so inspiring.
“I’m excited to be taking on this challenge beside my work colleagues and to be able to support and encourage each other. It’s going to take a great deal of courage; I hope we raise a good amount of money for the charity.”
Louise Drury has an added personal reason for wanting to show her support to a sight loss charity. She says:
“I saw an opportunity to combine Blind Veterans UK’s passion for supporting veterans with their sight loss with my longtime dream of skydiving and enthusiastically signed up for the challenge.
“My auntie lost her sight as a young adult and although she’s not a blind veteran herself, I do understand the importance of the support the charity offers. It’s an incredibly worthwhile charity and I’m looking forward to taking on this challenge to raise money for them while coming together as a team to face our fears.”
Rajesh Gajjar has completed two skydives previously so hopefully having him alongside will provide reassurance to the team on the day. He says:
“Even though I’ve completed two jumps before, the excitement and nerves will still be there.
“I find Blind Veterans UK’s dedication to helping veterans with sight loss inspiring and I want to contribute to their vital support and services. I have a strong admiration for the sacrifices made by military veterans, which motivates me to support them through Blind Veterans UK.”
Victoria Beech, from the Blind Veterans UK Community Partnerships team, says:
“Our relationship with Thea has grown in strength over the past ten years and hasn’t only been about fundraising. We have also seen staff volunteering with our veterans and supporting campaigns such as our annual Gift a Wreath campaign, which provides wreaths to be laid during Remembrance, and now our VE Day Campaign which aims to ensure this important date is celebrated and remembered.
“We are privileged that an organisation that understands only too well the impact of sight loss has chosen to champion us.”
Team Thea is aiming to raise a minimum of £10,000 during 2025 for Blind Veterans UK – £1,000 for every year of their involvement with the charity. Their skydivers are hoping to raise as much as possible to help reach this target. To support them in their goal visit Thea’s Just Giving Team page to find the diver you would like to sponsor: JustGiving.com/team/teamthea25
To find out more about how you or your organisation can get involved with VE Day or other campaigns throughout the year visit: blindveterans.org.uk/fundraise
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
