COMMUNITY
Clive said: “Taking part in the walk just seemed like a good way to give back a tiny modicum of the support I’ve received from Blind Veterans UK. They’ve been helping me through a traumatic time in my life in every conceivable way. Most importantly of all, they’ve made sure that my family gets the support they need.”
A participant of this year’s walk was Manchester sports enthusiast Garry Rathbone. Garry completed the race in first place, walking and running in an impressive 17 hours, easily beating the 24 hour time challenge.
Garry said: “I’m not an experienced ultra runner, just somebody who keeps himself fit and likes a big challenge every year. I set out with the objective of running the first two stages and then hiking the rest, and then seeing what time I could finish in. I found out some stuff about myself! But the great thing is that the nature of the event kept me engaged and focused all the time.”
Blind veteran, Joseph Cruickshank, was brought up in Falkirk and employed as an apprentice engineer before joining the RAF for National Service in 1950, like thousands of other men his age. Serving in Yorkshire, Joe, now 84 was discharged in August 1952 returning to Falkirk and to his previous employment and later to York where he worked at a glass works and then became a school caretaker. Unfortunately, Joe lost his sight in later life as a result of Age Related Macular Degeneration. As an ex-Serviceman Joe was able to become a member of Blind Veterans UK.
Joe said: “I cannot praise Blind Veterans UK enough, and thank them for the help that they have given me. I fully support this campaign and know that they will be able to provide the same excellent care that they have given me, to others.”
Joe’s wife Rita has also benefitted from Joe becoming a member of the charity. The charity’s duty of care extends to the family members and the support it provides them is comprehensive as well as free and lifelong.
Rita said: “It has been fantastic for me and Joe to meet others in the same position as each of us, through the charity. Joe is able to meet with other blind veterans, and I have had a good experience meeting other members’ wives. It is very easy to fall into the trap of thinking that you are the only people experiencing the difficulties of sight
www.raf-ff.org.uk
Commanding Commendation. Trekker Ally describes Simon as ‘a true inspiration’.
Ally Benbow of the Mixed Nuts, said: “Having completed the 100k walk I realise that it was less about physical ability and more about mentally getting yourself in the right place. I’ve never felt so emotionally challenged either – I thought at 50k I had no more to give but there is always something left in the tank. The main high was having such a great team to support me through those times when I wanted to give up – I seriously know that I wouldn’t have done it without them.”
Gillian Morris said: “All I can say about the walk is that it was the most amazing experience! I was inspired when Simon spoke before we left. It made me determined to complete the walk. I would definitely consider doing this again as well as other fundraising activities for Blind Veterans UK”.
Liz Davies said: “It was like being part of a big happy family and I was sorry when it came to an end! What a lovely touch to pour us a glass of fizz at the finish – very welcome, followed of course by one or two more to celebrate during the day!”
loss, but of course you are not and it is important to be reminded of this. Joe is doing well thanks to the charity; in many ways I do not know where we would have been without it. And for this we are very grateful”.
A bunch of self-confessed nutters tackled the mammoth 100k trek after meeting one of the inspirational blind veterans whose life the charity has transformed. The ‘Mixed Nuts’ met blind veteran Cpl Simon Brown on a fundraising trek across the Sahara.
Simon was just 28 when he was shot in the face whilst saving the lives of six comrades whose vehicle had broken down in Iraq. The damage to his face was catastrophic and it took many pioneering operations to rebuild his face. He lost all of the sight in one of his eyes and has 20% left in the other eye.
After taking rehabilitation courses through the charity, Simon has an IT qualification and has studied teaching at college. Now, seven years on, he’s living his life to the full and works in the headquarters of Blind Veterans UK as its Membership Officer. Simon is also a public speaker on behalf of the charity and gave a motivational talk to all of the walkers before they start the gruelling trek. As a testament to his achievements, Simon was recognised for his contribution to charity with a General Officer
Sandra Kent said: “l wonder if a special shout can be put out to ‘biscuit’ and ‘the Rev’ the two Army pace walkers that kept us going with a whole lot of nonsense chat and humour : ).”
Clare Saunders said: “I have proudly shown my lovely medal off to my family and friends… as well as some beautiful blisters! I thought as an ex-ballet dancer my days of blisters were over : ). I must also thank Nick and the team of bikers – their support, uplifting smiles and words of encouragement meant so much”.
Robert Collins said: “It is something I will always be proud to have been a part of.”
Taking place over the weekend of Sat 21 and Sun 22 Jun 14, there are opportunities to take part as an individual a team or in relay. The entrance fee includes hot food at three rest stops, snacks and refreshments along the route, first aiders as well as an event t-shirt.
To find out more and to sign up for Blind Veterans UK’s London to Brighton walk, visit
www.walk100.org.uk/sign-up and follow us on Facebook at: www.
facebook.com/blindveteransuk and on Twitter at:
twitter.com/blindveterans;
Envoy Winter 2013 45
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