A blind veteran from Hampshire is running the London marathon this weekend for Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women.
Andy Leitch, who is 49 and from Aldershot, will take part in the 26.2-mile event on Sunday 22 April.
Andy says:
“I’m not a stranger to the London Marathon, having already taken part seven times, most recently in October last year just three weeks after also completing the London to Brighton Cycle Ride on a tandem bike with my son.
“I’m no Mo Farah and never set myself a time but I always start and finish. I just want to raise money and awareness for Blind Veterans UK, who gave me back my confidence after I lost my sight and I want to enjoy myself.
“It’s incredibly rewarding when I’m running along and people in the crowd are shouting my name, I know at that moment that they are reading my t-shirt and recognising that I am running for Blind Veterans UK. It makes it worthwhile.
“I haven’t taken part in any runs since the last London Marathon due to injury but I have continued with my training on a smaller scale. I’m hoping I’ve done enough to see me through the distance.”
Andy joined the Army in 1992 and spent 19 years with the Royal Logistics Corps. It was at the age of 37 that the genetic condition, retinitis pigmentosa caused a gradual decline in his sight which meant he was forced to retire early from the military.
Andy has reduced peripheral vision and can only see around 30 metres in front of him.
In 2011 Andy discovered Blind Veterans UK who have been supporting him ever since.
“Blind Veterans UK has invested a lot of time over the years to help me rebuild my life when I’d lost all hope.
“When I first came to the charity, I was feeling sorry for myself, but they made me realise what was possible and gave me the confidence to start doing physical activities again and get back to work.”
Andy and his guide Wayne have raised £200 towards their £1,500 target for Blind Veterans UK. If you would like to help them reach their goal, please visit their Just Giving page here: justgiving.com/andyandwaynesmarathons
If you would like to join Blind Veterans UK for the 2024 London Marathon, visit the event page here: blindveterans.org.uk/london-marathon
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
