A Freemason from Lincoln is walking 2,000km in ten months to raise money for Blind Veterans UK, the charity which has greatly improved the life of one of his fellow lodge mates.
59-year-old Nigel Herbert began his challenge in March and has given himself until the end of January 2023 to reach his target.
Travelling around the United Kingdom in his motorhome, with his trusty dog Reuben by his side, Nigel has already clocked up over 1,000km at locations including Bernard Castle, North Berwick and the Northumberland coast.
Nigel currently holds the position of Master of Lindum Lodge.
He said:
“One of the biggest privileges of holding the role is that you’re able to select the beneficiary which is supported for the year. I chose Blind Veterans UK as it’s a charity close to me.
“My father served in the British Army for 25 years and I therefore feel an affinity to the military even though I didn’t serve myself.
“I was further inspired to raise money for the charity after I met George Blake, a fellow lodge mate and blind veteran, who told me about the support he had received from Blind Veterans UK.
“I have seen first-hand some of the extraordinary work the charity does. George celebrated his 90th birthday earlier this year. The direct help and support he receives from Blind Veterans UK, including a respite stay at the charity’s Llandudno Wellbeing Centre, has been of great benefit to him.
“George served in the British Army as a medic and is a very resilient man. He lost his dear wife, Irene, three and a half years ago after 66 years of marriage and has no other family so is very much alone.
“I want to raise any money I can to enable Blind Veterans UK to keep supporting men and women like George.
“As well as taking on the walk to raise money for Blind Veterans UK, I wanted to take on a personal challenge that would mark my year as Master of the lodge.”
As well as Nigel’s personal walking challenge, Blind Veterans UK will also benefit from the lodge’s fundraising throughout the year including a BBQ and an autumn ball.
So far Nigel has raised £480 towards his £1,000 target for Blind Veterans UK. If you would like to support him in hitting his goal, please visit his Just Giving page here: justgiving.com/lindum-2000k
If you are inspired by Nigel and would like to take on a challenge for Blind Veterans UK visit the charity’s website: blindveterans.org.uk/fundraise
Blind Veterans UK supports thousands of blind veterans across the country, but knows there are many thousands more who still need its support to rebuild their lives after sight loss.
If you, or someone you know, served in the Armed Forces, including National Service, and are now struggling with sight loss, then please get in touch. Call 0800 389 7979 or visit blindveterans.org.uk/support
