Half marathon in support of blind veteran Grandad

A 20-year-old woman is running her first half-marathon to raise money to help us support blind veterans like her grandad.

Grace, from East Sussex, will be putting on her running shoes for the Richmond Half Marathon on 22 September.

My grandad

Grace's grandad, Peter, was registered blind last year and in June 2023 he began to receive support from our charity. Grace says:

"I wanted to do something to show my support to the charity as I’ve seen first hand the amazing work they do rehabilitating and supporting individuals who have given us so much."

The run

This will be Grace’s first long-distance run although running is some what of a family affair with both her parents having run several marathons. Grace says:

“At the start I found running hard and even 10km seemed out of the question, but slowly with support and encouragement, I have discovered a new love for running.

“I have chosen to run the Richmond half marathon as my dad has previously run here and expressed how beautiful it is.

“I think the hardest part will be the nerves before the race. I’m beyond grateful to be doing my first race with my super supportive boyfriend and knowing my family will be at the finish line will make it all worth it.”

Message from her grandad

Grace’s grandad Peter served in the Royal Navy between 1958 and 1980. He has macular degeneration in both eyes. He says:

“I’m very proud of Grace and I know she will do incredibly well. It means a lot to me that she has chosen to raise money for Blind Veterans UK as they have been there for me since I lost my sight. They help me to attend regular coffee mornings and other social events which get me out and about.”

Grace has already raised £2,513. There is still time to support her fundraising: