Blind veteran ran 10k for VE Day 80

Somerset blind veteran, Wayne, has conquered running 10k and already raised over £1,400 for our charity to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Wayne, 44 and from Bridgwater, took on the challenge to complete Worthing Runfest on 4 May, just two and a half years after he was diagnosed with a rare sight loss disease that turned his life upside down. Wayne crossed the finish line in one hour and one minute.

Race day

Wayne's run took place just a few days before a very significant date for our blind veterans, the 80th anniversary of VE Day on 8 May. He says:

"I am buzzing that I was able to finish the run and show everyone what us blind veterans can achieve while also honouring our Second World War heroes at such an important time.

“I went into the race feeling confident as I’d put in a lot of time and effort on my training and received great support and advice from Theresa and Rich who work for Blind Veterans UK as part of the charity’s physical wellbeing team and also joined me as my guide runners on the day."

Wayne describes the beginning of the race as 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. The atmosphere was electric – there was a DJ playing music that you could hear on most of the course and lots of people lining 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. He says:

"My guide helped me stay on my feet with only my right knee hitting the deck. I would’ve been heartbroken if, after all my training and the support I’d received from friends, family and the public, I’d gotten so close to the finish line and not been able to finish.”

Second World War heroes

Since being diagnosed with the degenerative eye condition, retinitis pigmentosa, Wayne has been supported by our charity. 

Wayne says:

“I’m immensely proud that the money I have raised for completing this challenge will ensure that veterans like them, and those who followed, will continue to receive life changing support as I have.”

Sight loss

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.  

Our support

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 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 to overcome the difficulties presented by my sight loss and Specsavers have provided me with specially adapted yellow tinted prescription glasses.  

“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 our centre in Rustington, Wayne was asked to share some of the things he'd like to achieve that currently seemed out of reach to him because of his sight loss. He shared his dream of taking part in the London Marathon. He says:

“The wellbeing team at the centre offered to support my aspirations by helping me train and prepare for the Worthing 10km, with a view to being able to take part in the London Marathon alongside other blind veterans in 2026. I’m also planning to take part in the Littlehampton 10k in August."

There is still time to support Wayne: