Story
The Challenge:
On 29 April 2026 a team of 5 blind veterans will lace up their running shoes to take on the London Marathon. This is one of the world’s most prestigious marathons, with well over 50,000 expected to take part making the course even more challenging to runners with sight loss as they negotiate the route with the support of their guides. In addition to building their stamina to cover the 26.2 miles they must also learn to run in sync with their guides adding additional challenges to training and participation.
The Team:
Wayne and Chris are both fairly new members of the charity and this will be their first time taking on the London Marathon.. They will be joined by blind veteran Kelly who completed the Marathon in 2015 and hopes to beat her finish time. Andy and Alan, veterans of the London Marathon having taken on the challenge 11 and 15 times respectively, complete the team. They are looking forward to supporting those who are new to the challenge.
Why they are taking on the challenge:
The team may vary in their experience with the London Marathon but they all share something in common - the desire to give back to Blind Veterans UK. Each team member has lived experience of sight loss and the impact of the support of Blind Veterans UK.
“Blind Veterans UK have provided me with physical support, with technology and gadgets to help me live day to day life, but above that I’ve benefitted hugely from the camaraderie of being in the company of others who have lost their sight and have a military background to bond over.” (Chris)
“Blind Veterans UK has shown me that anything can be achieved if you have the right mindset, support from great people, and you’re willing to put the work in to make it happen” (Wayne)
“I became a blind veteran at 23. I lost my sight and my career. The charity saved my life. I’ve met so many inspirational people, both my fellow blind veterans and staff. I am so proud to be a blind veteran and I wouldn’t be who I am today if I wasn’t.” (Kelly)
“Blind Veterans UK has invested a lot of time over the years to help me rebuild my life when I’d lost all hope. They made me realise what was possible and gave me the confidence to start doing physical activities again and get back to work.” (Andy)
“Blind Veterans UK is a special charity and has been by my side throughout my journey, giving me the confidence to see beyond the limits of sight-loss and to achieve things I thought would be impossible. I’m proud to run for Blind Veterans UK and the London Marathon is a terrific opportunity to remind myself I can still take on big challenges and endeavours in-spite of my sight loss.” (Alan)
How you can support the team:
The team are hoping that completing the London Marathon will help raise awareness of the support provided by Blind Veterans UK and the impact it has – and continues to have – on blind veterans like themselves. They also want to ensure other veterans can benefit from the charity’s support.
Make a donation:
The team are hoping to raise a minimum of £1250 – the equivalent of 5 blind veterans receiving a session with a member of Blind Veterans UK’s Community Support Team in their own home. These sessions offer bespoke support and training to help blind veterans gain skills and use equipment that will help them to be independent.
Spread the word:
Share our veterans stories and this JustGiving page on your own social media accounts using the buttons below.
Take on your own challenge:
Inspired by our veterans? Apply for one of our London Marathon charity places here and join them in their challenge.