Son of former Blind Veterans UK President cycles length of country to raise money for us

Jon, whose father is supported by our charity, cycled 980 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats to raise money for us.

Over the course of nine days in September, Jon, who is 48-years-old, and his friend took part in the Ride Across Britain challenge. They cycled a total of 77 hours and raised an incredible £3,300 for us.

Jon said:

“It was an incredible, and at times, challenging experience, but a privilege to raise money in support of my father and the charity that has done so much to assist him.”

Jon’s father, Ray, has been supported by us since he was injured in 1973 while serving with the Second Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment. Ray was on his second tour of duty in Northern Ireland when an IRA parcel bomb exploded in his hands. He was left totally blind, suffered severe hearing loss and lost his right hand.

Ray worked for us for 40 years and was our President from 2004 to 2017. Ray now has advanced Alzheimer’s disease and resides at our Centre of Wellbeing in Brighton.

Jon said:

“As a family we’re indebted to Blind Veterans UK for their continued care and affection for Pa. Raising funds through this event is a small way of saying thanks to the charity.

“They are always there for blind veterans and their families giving them the training they require to cope with life after sight loss as well as the warmth, understanding and compassion needed as they enter old age.”

Reflecting on his amazing achievement, Jon said:

“I haven’t yet been able to look at my bike without gently weeping. The section of the ride from Hopetoun to Bellabeg in Scotland was the most brutal, 120 miles and close to 7,600 feet of climbing against vicious headwinds the whole way.

"I never once wanted to give up though, I had an amazing support team, and I would never have wanted to let them or the charity down.”