The Challenge:

On Saturday 27th June, at the age of 87 years young, I will taking on Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in Britain!

The scale of this peak (hikers must cover over 10miles of rugged pathways to reach a summit standing 1345 metres above sea level), steep, rocky terrain and changeable weather conditions make this mountain challenging for even the most experienced adventurers.

For myself there will be the added challenge of sight loss.

My Sight loss:

I first realised there was a problem with my sight in 2018. I was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration in both eyes (this condition effects the central vision, making it blurry and difficult to see detail such as faces and read text on a page) and Glaucoma (a condition that reduces the peripheral vision) in my right eye. The combination of the two conditions has left me with very little useful vision. I am still able to navigate familiar settings but find it difficult to see pavement edges and differences in heights such as kerbs. The pathways of Ben Nevis will be even more challenging! My sight loss will make it impossible for me to see and judge changes in terrain and potential hazards such as large stones and holes. I will need to rely on the information given to me by the individuals who will be accompanying me on my challenge as I make my ascent and descent.

Why I want to support Blind Veterans UK:

As those who know me or have read my story on Blind Veterans UK’s website will testify, I have never let my sight loss get in the way of leading a full and rewarding life. I am aware that my sight will only get worse over time but am comforted to know that Blind Veterans UK are there to offer support and advice. Since I began receiving their support in 2022 they have made a huge difference to my life, providing equipment such as a synaptic phone, talking watch and lighting to make things easier in my home and a point of contact who I can reach out to when there are any changes with my sight to see how else they might be able to help me adapt and continue to be independent. More than anything, being part of Blind Veterans UK has given me the camaraderie and sense of belonging that I experienced during my days in the army.

What I hope to achieve:

I am aiming to raise at least £500 for Blind Veterans UK – an amount that would cover the cost of a Synaptic phone that makes it easy for a blind or visually impaired person to make use of a smart phone and keep in touch with family and friends and carry out everyday tasks independently. I would like to raise far more as I don’t believe I can put a price tag on the difference Blind Veterans has made to my life.

I also hope to raise awareness of the charity via becoming the oldest verified person to complete the ascent and descent of Ben Nevis. I will be accompanied by two individuals from the Low Land Rescue, one of whom will film my challenge on a GoPro to prove I achieve my goal.

Finally, I hope to demonstrate that sight loss should not be barrier to living a fulfilling life and achieving the goals you set yourself.

How you can support me:

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 or organise a fundraising activity. Visit their website to find out more. https://www.blindveterans.org.uk/support-us/fundraise-for-us/

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