Blind veterans rally the troops for Armed Forces Month

Our Armed Forces Month campaign is once again calling on 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 are getting ready to mark Armed Forces Month while raising vital funds. 

John’s Ben Nevis challenge 

87-year-old blind veteran John is hoping to scale the heights of Ben Nevis on Armed Forces Day. He says:

“It would be wonderful to reach the top of Ben Nevis; I’d be proving that age and sight loss are not a barrier to any challenge you set your mind on.” 

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. He says: 

“I loved my Army days. Joining the Army was my first sense of being part of a family - that's why I've chosen National Armed Forces Day as the date for my challenge." 

John’s 16-year-old granddaughter Lilly is hoping to follow in John’s military footsteps and join the Army Medical Corps later this year. John says: 

“I’ve been supporting Lilly with her fitness training; we’ve been going out walking together and I’ve been teaching her exercises to build her core strength. As a result, I came up with the idea of setting myself a challenge.” 

Noeline’s afternoon tea 

Blind veteran Noeline, 74, also volunteers for our charity and creates craft items throughout the year to fundraise. This Armed Forces Month, Noeline has organised a fundraising cream tea on 25 June at Hope Church in Bedwas in South Wales and hopes to see lots of people there. 

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. 

“I’m honoured to be able to do my small part to raise awareness of the Armed Services and to also raise money for Blind Veterans UK which is like one big special family and have supported me to continue with my hobbies after sight loss.” 

Ian’s ‘Blindfolded Bimble’ 

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

Ian is challenging 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 will complete 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 means participants will have to guide each other up and down kerbs, crossing roads and sharing the space with cars. 

“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 has organised an Armed Forces Day celebration at his local pub, The King’s Arms in Market Drayton, on 27 June to raise money and awareness of our charity as well as celebrate all those who have served past and present and their families. 

There will lots of activities for all ages including a DJ, live music, stalls, face painting, military vehicles and a raffle. Clive says: 

“This will be a wonderful day of celebration, fundraising and awareness.”

Our presence at Armed Forces Day events around the country 

We will be attending Armed Forces Day events around the country, including this year’s national event which takes place in Aldershot. Please stop at our stalls and say hello if you see is.  

Have our blind veterans inspired you to take on your own fundraising event or activity for Armed Forces Month?