Click The Image Above To Find Out More About Wayne's 10K Worthing Challenge Raising Vital Funds For Blind Veterans UK Click This hyper link to Donate To Waynes Previous Challenge At His Just Giving Page 

My journey with Blind Veterans UK

My life changed completely when I got my diagnosis and walked out of the consultant’s office; it all came as a shock. I’d walked into that office as an independent man and walked out knowing my life was going to change.  

My visual impairment made me feel less confident and safe taking part in my usual day to day activities and other aspects of my life. Taking my daughters to school would no longer be as simple as jumping in the car, I had lost my driving licence upon diagnosis. I knew I was going to have to reassess everyday activities. 

In Spring 2023, I discovered Blind Veterans UK while searching on the internet for support. In the short time I’ve been supported by the charity, I’ve received rehabilitation, advice and equipment that have helped me to get back into running, playing my guitar and completing everyday activities that I took for granted before. I’ve been offered tips and equipment to help overcome the difficulties 

presented by my sight loss. 

The staff and my fellow veterans are a huge support. Someone is always on the end of the phone if I need them and the other blind veterans I’ve met are going to be friends for life.

While staying at tour Rustington Centre, I  was asked to share some of the things I would like to achieve that seemed out of reach to me since losing my sight. I shared my dream of taking part in the London Marathon.

“The wellbeing team at the centre offered to support my aspirations by helping me train and prepare for the Worthing 10km May 2025, with a view to being able to go on and take part in the London Marathon alongside other blind veterans in 2026. They could see how running was giving me back my confidence, sense of purpose and allowing me to feel like the person I was before sight loss. The fitness also helps with my mental health. I no longer feel like a

 failure.

The charity has given me back my independence to be the person I want to be. As a result, I would like to use my journey to help others receive the same support that I have.

I now live each day with the sight I have, not knowing what I’ll wake up with when I open my eyes but with the support of family, friends and Blind Veterans UK I am not going to let my sight loss change me.