Extra 40 miles cycled to honour resilience of blind veterans

Fundraiser Rob took part in Ride London 2023 on 28 May and rode 100 miles across London raising nearly £700 for our charity.

Rob was set to take part in the 60 mile cycle ride but was able to change to the 100 mile event. He says:

"I thought about our blind veterans and their resilience and determination and decided I needed to go for 100 miles.

"I had an absolute blast, the ride was a lot of fun but also very tiring. I completed it in seven hours and 17 minutes.

"At 87 miles, I stopped for a snack and some water and was given ice to put on my knees having sustained an injury. 

"I was fairly near my home at this point and could have cycled home but I pushed on and completed the last 13 tough miles to the finish line."

This was not the first time that 45-year-old Rob has taken on this challenge but back in 2019 when he first pedalled the traffic-free course, he was struggling with an injury sustained in a road traffic accident. Rob says:

“When I was ten-years-old I was hit by a car which severely fractured my leg and left me with a brain injury that affects my memory.

“At the time my leg was re-set but was misaligned. The first time I undertook this challenge I hoped I would’ve performed better but my injury slowed me down. I’ve recently undergone an operation to put this right and am excited to get out there and test myself. I’m hoping this time that I’ll finish in around five hours.”

Rob has been employed by our charity for four years. He plays a vital role in supporting the charity’s fundraising and supporter care team by ensuring information about incoming donations is recorded correctly. Outside of work Rob also helps vision-impaired people by volunteering for the Redbridge Talking Newspaper.

Rob says:

“As a result of my brain injury, I have difficulty with my memory; Blind Veterans UK has been a fantastic employer, they are fully inclusive and have made adjustments which have enabled me to establish myself in the workplace despite the barriers my brain injury presents."