Shanklin Veteran Takes On Blindfolded Fundraising Walk For Blind Veterans UK

A blind Army veteran from Shanklin has completed an annual fundraising challenge to raise money and awareness for Blind Veterans UK.

Ian Summers, 46, was joined by more than 20 family members and friends for his Blindfolded Bimble on Saturday 28th June.

The event, now in its third year, saw participants pair up and take turns walking blindfolded while being guided between Shanklin and Sandown.

This year, Ian added an extra challenge by taking walkers off the promenade and onto the main road, where they had to navigate kerbs, road crossings and traffic.

Ian, who served with the 2nd Battalion Royal Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment after joining the Army in 2002, completed tours of Iraq, Kuwait and Northern Ireland.

He lost his sight suddenly in 2017 and says the support he has received from Blind Veterans UK since 2018 has transformed his life.

Ian said:

"My life changed overnight but discovering Blind Veterans UK turned things around.

"They helped me learn to use a cane so that I could walk safely unaided, provided equipment to help me prepare food and enabled me to meet other blind veterans.

"I wanted to raise awareness of the personal impact of sight loss and of Blind Veterans UK, as the support I've received has turned my life around."

The walk formed part of Blind Veterans UK's Armed Forces Month campaign, which encourages supporters to raise funds while celebrating the Armed Forces community.

There is still time to support Ian's fundraising through his JustGiving page. Blind Veterans UK says the money raised will help provide rehabilitation, training and practical support for vision-impaired veterans across the UK.