Blind veteran "buzzing" for London Marathon

Just three years after losing his sight, blind veteran Wayne will run the London Marathon on 26 April to raise awareness of the support he’s received from Blind Veterans UK.

Wayne, 45, from Bridgwater in Somerset, will take on the iconic 26.2‑mile route alongside four other blind veterans. More than 30 supporters will also join the team, helping raise awareness and funds so more blind veterans like Wayne can receive our support.

Road to the London Marathon

This will be Wayne’s first ever marathon - a goal that once felt out of reach after his sight loss. With support from the team at our Rustington Centre, he set the Worthing 10k in May 2025 as his first milestone. Wayne shared:

“The wellbeing team at Blind Veterans UK’s centre in Rustington offered to support my aspirations by helping me train and prepare for the Worthing 10k in May 2025, with a view to being able to take part in the London Marathon alongside other blind veterans in 2026.

"Here I am, and I’m buzzing to get going."

Guides Theresa and Rich from our specialist wellbeing team supported Wayne through the crowded Worthing 10k, helping him navigate safely and keep his rhythm. Wayne shared:

“The race was a crazy experience, trying to run amongst so many people in a small space was challenging with sight loss but with the support of my guides, I was able to navigate safely in the crowd. Lots of people had lined the streets to cheer us all on. I could hear 'Keep going Wayne’ being shouted which really spurred me on."

There was a near catastrophe with only 300 metres left when Wayne rolled his ankle and started to fall but his guides helped him stay on his feet.

Wayne showed everyone what blind veterans can achieve and is excited to do that again in London where Wayne will once again run with Rich as his guide.

Wayne's story

Wayne served in the Royal Navy for four and a half years as an able seaman warfare specialist on board HMS Chatham and HMS Monmouth.   
 
He was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa in December 2022. The condition worsens over time and can affect vision in a number of ways such as night blindness, trouble adjusting to light changes, difficulty seeing colours and narrowed peripheral vision.  He shared:

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

"I lost my confidence and sense of purpose. I was in tears, my life turned upside down, not knowing how to digest what I’d just been told. I just didn’t understand the disease or how I would go forward.” 

In Spring 2023, Wayne discovered our charity while searching on the internet for support. He says:

“In the short time I’ve been supported by Blind Veterans UK, 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 to overcome the difficulties presented by my sight loss and Specsavers have provided me with specially adapted yellow tinted prescription glasses.   
 
“The charity 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. The London Marathon is the latest step in my rehabilitation journey and to be doing it alongside some of the blind veterans I have met and that I admire makes it even more special.”

Wayne has already exceeded his fundraising target of £500. You can help him raise even more money: