Help me raise £2,500 for Blind Veterans UK

Hi, I’m Sam Atkinson — an Armed Forces Veteran who joined the British Army in 2014 and served for 9 years in the Royal Engineers. During my time in service, I was a Combat Engineer before becoming a Searcher in a Royal Engineer Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team. It was a challenging and rewarding career that helped shape who I am today.

I’m running the 2026 London Marathon to raise money for Blind Veterans UK — a charity that’s helps Armed Forces Veterans rebuild their lives after sight loss. Their commitment to restoring independence and dignity to those who’ve served is something I admire.

This marathon is a personal challenge for me — I’m not much of a runner, and I’m currently juggling training with work, football, golf, and preparing for the arrival of a new born baby. It’s tough, but I’m enjoying the process and staying focused on the goal. Crossing that finish line will be a huge personal achievement, made even more meaningful by the fact that I’m doing it for such an incredible charity.

I hope my journey inspires you to support Blind Veterans UK. Whether it’s through a donation or simply sharing this page, every bit of support helps raise awareness and makes a real difference.

Here is an introduction to the charity below;

Blind Veterans UK is the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women.

Founded in 1915 and previously known as St Dunstan's, Blind Veterans UK has supported tens of thousands of Armed Forces and National Service veterans of every generation to rebuild their lives after sight loss.

We help veterans learn vital life skills and give them the tools they need to discover a life after sight loss. We do this by giving veterans the rehabilitation, training, practical advice and emotional support they need to live independent lives.

Our beneficiaries range from National Service veterans who lost their sight later in life due to age-related conditions, to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans blinded on duty. It doesn't matter when a veteran served or how they lost their sight, we can help. We also provide services to carers and family members, whether in the form of information and advice, or by simply giving them the opportunity to take a break.

Blind Veterans UK has a network of community support teams all over the UK who give blind veterans the rehabilitation and training they need closer to them, either in their own home or in their local area. We organise activities and events such as lunches, reunions and clubs, which gives our veterans the opportunity to be part of a community with a shared experience.

We have a dedicated centre in Rustington that provides vital rehabilitation, training and respite care to promote independence and well-being. As well as providing free specialist equipment, we also support veterans to find new hobbies such as cooking, art and craft or a new sport.

While our charity initially cared for veterans blinded in active Service, today we help veterans no matter what caused their sight loss.

Blind Veterans UK supports thousands of blind veterans across the country, but we know there are thousands more who still need our 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/support

Find out more at: blindveterans.org.uk and follow us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/blindveteransuk