A Hampshire man will be putting on his running shoes to take part in the 2025 London Marathon for Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women, which supported his great grandad.
Ben Rafferty, who is 32 and from Portchester, had originally signed up to take part in the London Marathon in 2024 to motivate himself to improve both his physical and mental health while raising money for Blind Veterans UK. The charity supported his great grandad after he lost his sight.
A foot injury forced Ben to withdraw from the event, but he was able to defer his place to this year. He says:
“We lost my great grandad in June last year; my emotions are going to be very high when I cross the finish line. He may no longer physically be here but I know he’ll be with me as I’m tackling every single inch of the course. He’ll be so proud of me for conquering this challenge and he’ll be happy for me, as he’ll know how proud I’ll be of myself.”
Ben will be joining thousands of other runners for the 26.2 mile course on 27 April. He says:
“I am very excited but also nervous, this is one of the biggest things I’ve ever attempted but I am so driven to get across the line. I’m not looking to finish in a certain time but I imagine it’ll take me around seven and a half or eight hours. When I first decided to sign up for this just the thought of stepping inside a gym scared me. I could barely walk up the stairs at that point.”
Ben’s great grandad served in the RAF between 1947 and 1955. He lost his sight due to glaucoma.
Ben says:
“Blind Veterans UK gave my great grandad more freedom after he lost his sight, they helped him greatly to be able to continue to access his computer which for him was his independence.
“My great grandad would regularly wear his Blind Veterans UK tie with pride and that is how I will feel wearing their running top for the marathon.
“It’s going to be an emotional event and I’m so grateful to have this opportunity and to have been allowed to represent Blind Veterans UK. I’ll know I have helped other families like mine, to give their loved ones back their independence and freedom after sight loss.”
Ben is hoping to raise £1,900 for Blind Veterans UK. If you would like to support him in reaching his fundraising target please visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/ben-rafferty4
If you are inspired by Ben and would like to sign up for the 2026 London Marathon for Blind Veterans UK, visit the charity’s website: blindveterans.org.uk/londonmarathon
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/gethelp
