A man from Buckinghamshire will take on a 100km hike through the Chiltern Hills this weekend, raising money for the military charity which supported his father in the last years of his life.
Craig Alexander, 48 and from New Denham, suffers from a brain and nerve condition which will make the hike all the more challenging. Luckily, friend Dexter, from Gerrards Cross, will be there to support Craig on his journey.
The route will take Craig and Dexter through nature reserves and forests, along ancient footpaths, and up and down the famous Chiltern Hills.
Craig’s motivation came from both a place of personal development and a desire to give back. He says: “I’ve been accused in the past of being a professional couch potato so I saw this as a great opportunity to go and achieve something.
“The support that Blind Veterans UK gave my dad after he lost his sight was unbelievable. He thought his life was over but they taught him the adjustments that meant he could continue the outdoors activities and arts that he loved so much. He was so grateful for the support he received that he chose to have his ashes scattered at their rehabilitation centre in Llandudno. Since his death I’ve wanted to do something to give back and so thought this was the perfect opportunity.”
Craig has been training hard over the last four months but still is nervous about the challenge that faces him at the weekend: “I’ve been walking 20 to 30km daily over the past four months so I’m feeling good but I think the last 20km if going to test me a lot. My condition means that any wind causes me a lot of pain so I know it’s going to be a challenge from the start.
“I know when I pass that finish line my old man will be looking down and be very proud not only for completing the 100km but also for supporting the charity that he loved so much.”
Craig has raised £1,400 so far but still has a little way to go to reach his target. To donate please visit: http://bit.ly/2XTToKs.
Blind Veterans UK helps vision-impaired ex-Service men and women of every generation rebuild their lives after sight loss. Since 1915, the charity has provided rehabilitation, training, practical advice and emotional support to tens of thousands of blind veterans.
Blind Veterans UK currently supports more blind veterans than ever before in the charity’s history, but it knows there are many more who still need its support to rebuild their lives following their sight loss. The charity has a dedicated community team in Bucks who provide support including training, equipment and social events for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women in the local area.
For all media enquiries please contact:
William Witt
Regional Marcomms Executive
E: william.witt@blindveterans.org.uk
T: 07599 556 664
Notes to editor:
Blind Veterans UK helps vision-impaired ex-Service men and women of every generation rebuild their lives after sight loss. Since 1915, we’ve provided rehabilitation, training, practical advice and emotional support to tens of thousands of blind veterans.
Find out more at: blindveterans.org.uk and follow us on Facebook at: facebook.com/blindveteransuk and on Twitter at: twitter.com/blindveterans.
