Blind veteran running 10k to mark VE Day

A blind veteran is running the Worthing 10k just two and a half years after he was diagnosed with a rare sight loss disease and his life was turned upside down.

Wayne, 44 and from Somerset, will be taking on the challenge, which starts and ends next to Worthing Pier, on 4 May. Wayne says:

“This run takes place just a few days before a very significant date for many of my fellow blind veterans. The 80th anniversary of VE Day on 8 May. Since being diagnosed I’ve been supported by Blind Veterans UK, who have also supported men and women who were involved in securing victory in Europe."

“I’m immensely proud that the money I raise for completing this challenge will ensure that veterans like them, and those who followed, will continue to receive life changing support as I have.”

Sight loss

Wayne served in the Royal Navy for four and a half years as an able seaman warfare specialist on board HMS Chatham and HMS Monmouth. 

He was diagnosed with the degenerative eye condition, retinitis pigmentosa, in December 2022. The condition worsens over time and can affect vision in a number of ways such as night blindness, trouble adjusting to light changes, difficulty seeing colours and narrowed peripheral vision. 

Wayne first noticed issues with his sight in September 2022 and went to Specsavers for an eye test. While there he was offered a scan which looks at the back of the retina for any issues. This is where the anomalies were detected. The specialist consultant at Specsavers proceeded to arrange for subsequent investigations.

“My life changed completely when I got my diagnosis and walked out of the consultant’s office; it all came as a shock. I’d walked into that office as an independent man and walked out knowing my life was going to change."

“My visual impairment made me feel less confident and safe taking part in my usual day to day activities and other aspects of my life. Taking my daughters to school would no longer be as simple as jumping in the car, I had lost my driving licence upon diagnosis. I knew I was going to have to reassess everyday activities. The residual sight I still have centrally overworks itself leading to immense fatigue and stress, but I was not about to let life just stop.

“The vision I do retain is a tunnel view perspective with no peripheral vision, no colour and difficulty with depth perception. The nature of the disease is unpredictable and no two days are the same.”

Our support

In Spring 2023, Wayne discovered our charity while searching on the internet for support. He says:

“In the short time I’ve been supported by the charity, I’ve received rehabilitation, advice and equipment that have helped me to get back into running, playing my guitar and completing everyday activities that I took for granted before. I’ve been offered tips to overcome the difficulties presented by my sight loss and Specsavers have provided me with specially adapted yellow tinted prescription glasses. 

“The staff and my fellow veterans are a huge support. Someone is always on the end of the phone if I need them and the other blind veterans I’ve met are going to be friends for life."

While staying at tour Rustington Centre, Wayne was asked to share some of the things he would like to achieve that seemed out of reach to him because of sight loss. Wayne shared his dream of taking part in the London Marathon.

“The wellbeing team at the centre offered to support my aspirations by helping me train and prepare for the Worthing 10km, with a view to being able to take part in the London Marathon alongside other blind veterans in 2026. They could see how running was giving me back my confidence, sense of purpose and allowing me to feel like the person I was before sight loss. The fitness also helps with my mental health. I no longer feel like a failure.

“The charity has given me back my independence to be the person I want to be. As a result, I would like to use my journey to help others receive the same support that I have."

Wayne is hoping to raise £500 for our charity, you can support him in reaching his target: