A Somerset man is entering the final week of his five kilometre a day running challenge to raise money for Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women.
Matt Roberts, 42 and from Taunton, has been putting on his running shoes every day since 15 August and finishes his challenge on 15 September.
Once completed, Matt will have run 160km in 32 days.
He says:
“As I near the end of the challenge, my legs are starting to feel it. Five kilometres is not a huge distance but running every day gives the legs no time to recover and mentally going out every day is tough especially with the nights now beginning to draw in. I live in a rural area with no pavements so I can no longer wait till 8pm to head out. I finish work and go straight out for my run at 5pm.
“When I complete my last run, I will feel relieved to not have to go for a run the next day but equally I will feel proud to have done something to support blind veterans.”
Matt works for Thea Pharmaceuticals who specialise in products that support eye health. As a company they have been supporting Blind Veterans UK since 2015. Matt was looking for something that he could do to support their fundraising.
He says:
“We have our company conference on 15 September so I thought why not run everyday in the lead up to it. My last run will be on the day the conference starts and then I will head there and be able to tell my work colleagues that I’ve completed my challenge.
“I’ve visited the Blind Veterans UK’s centres in Llandudno and on the south coast and have had the pleasure of meeting the veterans they support and hearing their stories of the challenges they face and how the charity has helped them overcome these.
“I especially like the holiday element that the centres offer. I have experience of family members having care needs and how beneficial it is for both them and their families to have a break. It is the little things that jump out to me, the help offered to find new ways to complete daily tasks such as making a cup of tea. These little things have a big impact.”
Matt has already raised £320 for Blind Veterans UK. If you would like to support his fundraising please visit his Just Giving page: justgiving.com/page/matthew-roberts
If you are part of a group or an organisation 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/gethelp
