Armed Forces Month 2026

Our Armed Forces Month campaign called upon supporters to take on a challenge or organise an activity to commemorate key dates in the month of June while raising vital funds to support our work.

June is a significant month for our blind veterans and the wider military community, starting 6 June with the anniversary of the D-Day Landings, a defining moment in history that changed the course of the Second World War and concluding with National Armed Forces Day, 27 June.

There is no better time than the month of June to honour the dedication and sacrifice of our forces – past and present – while raising vital funds to support our blind veterans.

Our blind veterans marking Armed Forces Month

From challenges to bringing their communities together – our blind veterans marked Armed Forces Month and honoured their comrades.

John’s Ben Nevis challenge

87-year-old blind veteran John successfully scaled the heights of Ben Nevis on Armed Forces Day. He says:

“I’ve proved that age and sight loss are no barrier; if you set your mind on a challenge, you can conquer it.”

It took John five and a half hours to reach the summit. He says: 

"It was much harder than when I did it 22 years ago. I followed the footsteps of my guide Gary who encouraged me throughout. I wouldn't have made it without the support of him and the lovely ladies who joined me from the BBC.

"When I reached the top, I was cheered by the other walkers who were there and I felt like a hero. There were so many people out there backing me, that I couldn't fail."

John's legs gave way about half way back down the mountain and he was helped down from there. He says:

"I thought I'd let everyone down but I made it to the top so everyone one says I did it. I'm elated and I celebrated with a large Bacardi and coke."

John completed National Service in the Army with the Royal Engineers as a sapper between 1958 and 1960 and then enlisted part-time with the National Service to serve on call for another three years.

Noeline’s afternoon tea

Blind veteran Noeline, 74, and her husband John organised an Armed Forces Month Brew Up Cream Tea in Bedwas, South Wales.

Noeline served for two years with the Women’s Royal Army Corps as a laboratory technician. Her husband also served in the military for 22 years so Armed Forces Day is very important to them. She says:

“Armed Forces Day is an important date in the calendar each year as it stands as a reminder to people of those who have served and gained democracy for another generation and to show support to those currently serving and their families. "

As well as taking donations in exchange for her host of tasty treats, additional funds were raised in exchange for some wonderful textile crafts made by Noeline and wood crafts, sent to her by another of our South Wales blind veterans, Colin, who wanted to play his part in raising vital funds.

“I was a little worried that the hot weather may scupper our plans but was delighted when almost all those who were invited, came to join us. Everyone was determined not to miss a chance to show their support for our forces. We were delighted to have raised over £200!"

Ian’s ‘Blindfolded Bimble’

Blind veteran Ian organised his third 'Blindfolded Bimble' on 28 June and this year, he made it extra challenging.

Ian challenged walkers to pair up and take it in turns to walk under blindfold while guided by their partner between Shanklin and Sandown.

Last year supporters walked a combined distance of 102km along the promenade, but this year they completed loops taking them along the promenade but bringing them back to Shanklin via the main road. Ian says:

“The promenade is a very wide, pedestrianised, footpath so I thought I’d add the extra challenge this year of navigating the main road, this meant participants had to guide each other up and down kerbs, crossing roads and sharing the space with cars. Hopefully this year's route helped us to raise awareness of the charity as cars were slowing down to read our T-Shirts as they passed by.

“The bimble is an opportunity to come together to celebrate the efforts of our Armed Forces and thank them for their sacrifice, and those of their families, as well as raise vital awareness and funds for Blind Veterans UK.”

Clive’s Armed Forces Day party

Blind veteran Clive worked with his local pub – The Kings Arms in Market Drayton to organise a celebration of our Armed Forces on Saturday 27 June – the official date for National Armed Forces Day.

There were activities for all the family including a DJ, live music, stalls, face painting, military vehicles and a raffle. Clive says;

“The weather might have been a bit warm but so was the atmosphere. It was a brilliant day and I’d like to say a special thank you to Digger and Camilla, the land lord and lady of The King’s Arms, for pulling everything together. Their team made everyone feel welcome.

“Events like this are not only an opportunity to celebrate all those who have served past and present, they’re a chance to bring the local community together and fundraise for charities like Blind Veterans UK who do so much to help veterans living with sight loss to be an active part of the community."

Our presence at Armed Forces Day events

We attended Armed Forces Day events around the country, including this year’s national event which took place in Aldershot.

The event was especially significant for blind veteran Brian who has been carrying our Standard for the past 18 years. Saturday’s Armed Forces Day march was his final time and it was particularly poignant that this took place in Aldershot as it was in the town that Brian first carried out his Standard Bearer duties all those years ago. He says:

“I will miss being a Standard Bearer; I hope that those who take on the role after me give it as much attention to detail as I have. It’s only right that at the age of 79, I now allow others to have the opportunities that I’ve had. Over the years, I’ve proudly displayed our Standard wherever and whenever I have had the opportunity to support the charity.”

Our supporters

It was not only our blind veterans that took on fundraising challenges during Armed Forces Month.

Linda’s Normandy Beach Swim

D-Day is just one of the many key military dates in Armed Forces Month. Supporter Linda took on the challenge of swimming a massive 47km during the month of June at her local swimming pool. This distance is the combined equivalent of the Normandy Beaches - Utah at 5km, Omaha at 7km, Gold, Juno and Sword at 11.5km each. She says:

“In February of this year my 96-year-old Dad passed away after a short illness. Dad was my hero and Blind Veterans UK were so helpful to him when his sight failed. He enjoyed the contact of his support worker and the time he spent at the facility in Brighton.

"To be able to raise money for Blind Veterans UK so they can help others would be a way to honour them and Dad. 47 is also a number that is synonymous with Dad, as 4th of the 7th is his birthday.”

Linda managed to complete her first Beach – Gold Beach at 11.5km – on D-Day itself. By the beginning of week four of her challenge, Linda had already swum 37km of her goal and had smashed her original fundraising target of £470 – raising over £1,000!

Judy’s In Memory Fundraising

Judy wanted to fundraise for our charity following the death of her friend Gary who we had supported after he lost his sight in service.

Wanting to keep Gary’s memory alive and raise funds to support other veterans, Judy decided to hold a coffee morning and raffle on 16 June which raised over £350. She says:

“We had a lovely time, sharing memories of Gary, despite a rocky start. The tea urn kept tripping the electrics, just what you need at a coffee morning, but I think Gary himself would have found that hilarious!”

On 28 June, Judy held a second fundraising event, a raffle at Whalley Village Hall.

Christine’s 10k

Community Support Worker Christine pulled on her running shoes to take on the Barnsley 10k.

“I’ve run this race for the past two years but with this years run falling on the weekend of Armed Forces Day itself I just had to do it for our blind veterans – especially with my 9th Blind Veterans UK work anniversary approaching only days later!”

As a Community Support Worker, Christine carries out assessments, gives advice and support to blind veterans within their own homes and communities, working as part of a team whose role it is to introduce them to simple skills and strategies that allow them to live more independently and continue to enjoy the things they love.

“Seeing the grin on our veterans’ faces when they are able to carry out a task they previously took for granted without help or enabling them to reconnect with or discover a favourite past time is so rewarding.

“Id like to say a big thank you to all those who have supported me with good luck messages and donations – especially the Penistone RBL Club who donated £250. I know what a difference every penny will make."