Colleagues running together to raise money

Five employees from the same organisation have been inspired to fundraise for us after hearing the recovery stories of two of our blind veterans.

Chris and a team of his work colleagues are taking on the 26.2-mile London Marathon on 23 April.

Chris, who is 42 and from Newton Abbot, said:

“Towards the end of last year, two blind veterans shared their recovery stories with the company I work for. The presentation was so inspiring that within 20 minutes, five volunteers from the company had put themselves forward to run the London Marathon on behalf of Blind Veterans UK and a Seetec team was born."

“Seetec is an organisation that supports people from all backgrounds to breakdown barriers which prevent them getting a job or accessing services. We come across people affected by a range of injuries and long-term illnesses and to hear directly from two blind veterans, Simon and Kevin, about their journey and the support they’ve received from Blind Veterans UK is really motivating and fits so well with the ethos and goals of Seetec.

“I’m a veteran myself having served in the Royal Navy for two years and have a mutual respect for all Service men and women. I also have a friend who lost an eye last year as a result of cancer so the presentation we had from Simon and Kevin really caught my attention and peaked my interest. My friend still has some sight but it’s made me more aware of the difficulties and adjustments that need to be made.”

Chris ran the London Marathon for the first time in 2022 but for many of the team this will be their first experience of the event and of running that distance.

Chris said:

“My experience of the London Marathon last year was off the back of having Covid so this time round I am going to give it a proper go and I hope to finish in under four hours. I also have the added incentive of doing it for Blind Veterans UK which helps to put the pain into context. The pain of running is temporary, but the blind veterans face their challenges for the rest of their lives.

“The day of the marathon itself is an assault on the senses, nothing at all can prepare you for taking part in this iconic event.

“It’s fantastic also to be doing it as part of a team, we’re sharing training tips and there’s a real camaraderie between us.

“We all want to do our very best for Blind Veterans UK and make a positive difference to the lives of blind veterans that the charity supports.”