Six Army Recruitment Offices are taking part in a hiking relay around Wales in support of military charities including Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women.
The challenge, named ‘Exercise Welsh Walker’ will see each team tackling a 100-mile section over a week. After six weeks, 600-miles will have been walked around the diameter of Wales starting in Cardiff and crossing the final finish line in Swansea on 17 July.
Not only will the walkers be fundraising for military charities, but they will also be raising awareness of the wide variety of opportunities available from a career in the Army.
The Wrexham Army Careers Office has chosen to raise money in support of Blind Veterans UK. They began their section today (Monday 17 June) starting in Brecon and will finish just north of Welshpool.
Sergeant Adrain Lobley from the Wrexham Army Careers Office says:
“Our office has chosen to support Blind Veterans UK as I have a direct connection to the charity and know how much they do to support veterans who have lost their sight.
“My dad is a blind veteran. He served for 35 years in the Royal Air Force as a gunner being based in Aden, Cyprus, Germany, Falklands, Northern Ireland and Belieze. He lost his sight later in life due to macular degeneration.
“He began receiving support from Blind Veterans UK last year and has already enjoyed a stay at the charity’s centre in Llandudno which was not only fantastic for him but also gave me mum a break. I was privileged to also spend some time at the centre and was able to speak to the veterans and their partners and it was apparent to me that the support offered by Blind Veterans UK had made a tangible difference to their quality of life.
“Dad has also been supplied with a special computer keyboard and computer software so that he is still able to use his computer, magnifying aids, a liquid level indicator to help him when making his coffee, training in using a white cane and sunglasses. He has an assigned support worker who he can contact if he needs help and attends a bi-monthly coffee morning.
“I can see first-hand how the charity helps and I hope that with our support many more veterans can receive the support that my dad gets.”
If you would like to support the Wrexham Army Careers Office please visit their Just Giving page: justgiving.com/page/Adrian-lobley
If you are part of a group and would like to find out more about how you could organise your own challenge or be part of campaigns such as Armed Forces Month, Gift a Wreath or Planning to Remember in support of Blind Veterans UK, please visit our 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/gethelp
