Taking on 5km a day for 80 days to mark VE Day 80
Our Corporate Partnerships Manager Hope is taking on the hefty challenge of 5km every day for the 80 days leading up to VE Day next year, marking the 80th anniversary of this historic day and raising vital funds for blind veterans.
VE Day 80: a special anniversary
In 2025, Blind Veterans UK is celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, the moment Winston Churchill declared the end of the Second World War in Europe - 8 May 1945.
We’re calling on our supporters to join us in celebrating the freedom Victory in Europe gave us, while raising vital funds for the very veterans – and all those who have followed – who battled for our freedom. We feel strongly that it is our turn to give them the freedom to lead the independent and dignified lives they deserve and achieve their own victory over sight loss.
"I want to get stuck in and provide inspiration for anyone considering getting involved in our 80 for VE Day 80 campaign, putting my new-found running skills to good use!"
The challenge
Hope is leading the charge with her “5k a Day” challenge. In the 80 days leading up to VE Day next year, starting on 18 February, she will be taking on 5km every day.
Her aim is to complete the distance and raise as much funds as possible for the vital support we offer our veterans here at Blind Veterans UK. She will be sharing her progress on Instagram.
Not a runner? Not a problem! Your activity could be anything linked to the number 80:
- 80 acts of kindness over 80 days
- 80 hours without social media
- One hour of living blindfolded for 80 days
- Organising a 80m abseil if you’re feeling especially brave...
"You don’t have to be a daft runner like me to get involved – the aim is to fundraise by taking on any challenge themed around the number 80. The possibilities are endless."
Get involved
Find more fundraising ideas and hear directly from our veterans about their own memories of VE Day to help get you inspired.
If your organisation would like to get involved as a team or as individuals (maybe even competing against each other!), get in touch with Hope to explore what this could look like.
Read more
VE Day 80 - Do it for veterans
Celebrate 80 years of freedom while giving blind veterans the freedom to lead independent and dignified lives.
How we help veterans
Find out how we help ex-Servicemen and women turn their lives around.
Sign up for email updates
We would love to send you updates about our work and how you can support us.
You can change your contact preferences at any time by calling us on 0300 111 2233 or emailing us. See our privacy policy for more details.