The Challenge

During 2026 I will be taking on not one, but two 100k Ultra Challenge endurance hikes;

The Jurassic Coast Ultra – 16 & 17 May

Starting at Corfe Castle, I will step out for Swanage before heading for Lulworth Cove and on to Durdle Door View Point. I will take on the White Nothe section of the South West Coastal Path - tackling challenging ascents and descents such as Hambury Tout before reaching Weymouth, my half way point. From there it’s time to push on past Portland Bill, Chesil Beach and West Bay before reaching the finishing line in Bridport.

The South Coast Ultra – 5 & 6 September

Starting in Eastbourne the first 25k of this route will see me tackle an ascent of 660m along the coastline, over the Severn Sisters and through Cuckmere Haven before finishing up at Alfriston. From there I will navigate the remainder of the South Downs Way to the half way point in Brighton Hove. The final push will see me take on Devil’ Dyke – and a few more ups and downs most likely in the dark – before reaching the finish line in Arundel.

With the support of Blind Veterans UK I completed my first ever Ultra Challenge – The South Coast Ultra – in 2025. This experience has made me more than aware of the challenges that face all those who take part – the relentless steep ascents and descents, uneven and varied terrain and the extreme low light levels as night falls – and the fact that my sight loss only elevates these challenges.

My sight loss journey

I first noticed issues with my sight in 1996 – the year I left the RAF after 13 years of service. In 2003 I was finally diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a rare genetic eye condition that gradually reduces useful vision. Over the years the condition worsened – symptoms including blurry, leading to distorted and eventually (as in my case) loss of central vision, expanding blind spots (I have 3 in each eye) and reduced colour perception – making it increasingly difficult to undertake everyday tasks and pursuits I’d previously taken for granted.

To make matters worse I also developed Charles Bonnet Syndrome – hallucinations caused by the brain ‘filling in the gaps’ sight loss causes.

In short, my sight loss impacts on my ability to navigate safely, judge depth and distance, particularly in locations like the settings of these challenges!

Why I’m supporting Blind Veterans UK

When my condition really began to impact on my sight I was in a dark place. I was the only blind person I knew. I’d always been a busy active person – a doer – and I thought that would all have to change. As my sight deteriorated my world got smaller. I approached my local blind association which gave some reassurance but I still found things difficult. I needed to be around people I had things in common with in addition to sight loss, people that could help me continue being the person I am, while also learning the skills I need to live with my sight loss. My Eclo referred me to Blind Veterans UK.

Blind Veterans UK is a charitable organisation that relies on donations and the funds raised by activities such as this to provide rehabilitation, training, equipment and support to thousands of veterans across the UK who are living with sight loss.

In addition to providing me with equipment to help me read my own post and special magnifying glasses to help me watch TV, they have supported and encouraged me to take part in a host of activities, including go-karting, paddleboarding and axe throwing. Through the charity I have met inspiring veterans who, with their support, have overcome the barriers of sight loss to achieve amazing things – whether that’s completing an Ultra Challenge or making the tea, walking 100k or walking to the shops.

Blind Veterans UK have helped me see that my sight loss doesn’t have to define me.

What I’m aiming to achieve

Since being supported by the charity, my confidence to try new things has grown. I completed my first ever Ultra Challenge in 2025 with the support of Blind Veterans UK and my amazing guide Anne, who will be joining me on my Double Ultra Challenge. I’ve become a Volunteer and Ambassador for the charity.

My aim with this challenge is to raise vital funds to enable the charity to continue changing lives and perceptions of what living with sight loss should look like.

I also hope to raise awareness so that other veterans living with sight loss can reach out to and be supported by Blind Veterans UK as early in their sight loss journey as possible.

How you can help

My hope is to raise £2,000 or more so that Blind Veterans UK can help more veterans like myself

• Make a donation: Whatever amount you can give will make a difference. £6 could purchase ‘Bump-ons’ to help make ordinary household equipment accessible. £10 could purchase a liquid level indicator to help a veteran make a drink safely. £30 could cover the cost of a white cane. £250 could cover the cost of a home visit from a trained rehabilitation officer.

• Share my story by sharing this Just Giving page on your social media channels.

• If you’re able, why not take on your own challenge for Blind Veterans UK. Visit their website to find out more. https://www.blindveterans.org.uk/support-us/fundraise-for-us/#challenge

Thanks for taking the time to visit my page and thank you for your donation!