Blind veteran organizes unique 6km blindfolded walk for military charity

A blind veteran from the Isle of Wight has organized a fundraising walk with a difference to raise money for Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for visually impaired ex-servicemen, who has turned his life around after losing sight.

Ian Summers, 44, from Shanklin, has organized the ‘Blindfolded Bimble’ in response to Blind Veterans UK’s Armed Forces Month campaign, which is calling on people to organize activities to celebrate and commemorate important dates in the month of June while raising vital funds to support its work.

Ian challenges walkers to work in pairs, taking turns covering 3km blindfolded while being guided by his partner for the outward or return part of the walk between Shanklin and Sandown.

His two daughters are among those joining him on June 9 nine and 13.

Ian hopes the challenge will give people some insight into the impact of vision loss.

He said:

“I think the participants will be surprised at how vulnerable they feel when they put on their blindfolds and start walking. They will really have to rely on their partner to warn them of obstacles and changes in slope and surface type.

“I’m sure they will all be very happy to take off their blindfolds and will remember that that is not an option for blind veterans like me. That is why the support of Blind Veterans UK is so important.”

Ian joined the army in 2002 at the age of 22. He served four years with the 2^NL Royal Princess of Wales Battalion Royal Regiment and conducted tours in Iraq, Kuwait and Northern Ireland.

In 2017, Ian lost his sight after choking at home while eating dinner with his family.

He said:

“My brain was deprived of oxygen, which led to severe vision loss. A simple daily activity changed my life overnight.

“My mobility and speech were severely affected, I had to learn to talk and walk again. I have regained my speech and my mobility is still steadily improving, but my vision will never return.

“The occipital lobe is the part of the brain that processes visual information and translates what we see, so we can estimate distances and recognize colors, objects and faces, but this no longer works.

“My loss of vision has had a huge impact on my life. Everyday activities such as taking a walk, preparing a meal, spending time with friends or playing with my two daughters became difficult and my self-confidence hit rock bottom.”

On 20On September 18, Ian received support from Blind Veterans UK.

He said:

“Discovering Blind Veterans UK changed my life. They helped me learn to use a cane so I could walk safely without assistance, provided equipment such as a talking microwave to help me prepare food, and allowed me to meet and spend time with other blind veterans, making I could imagine a life for myself that was out of sight. loss.

“Being able to meet others who are in the same boat as you means that you are all on the same playing field and that loss of face is not the first thing we notice about each other.

“I also attended themed stays at the charity’s wellbeing centres, where I took part in a range of activities from foot golf to ax throwing. My self-confidence has increased and I have been encouraged to spend time with family and friends.”

Ian invites people to join him at the ‘Blindfolded Bimble’ on June 9. Because the walk takes place just a few days after the 80^e anniversary of D-Day, Ian is asking each couple to raise a minimum of £80 for Blind Veterans UK.

He said:

“I want to guarantee that other veterans like me can receive years of life-changing support.

If you would like to join Ian in the ‘Blindfolded Bimble’, or if he has inspired you to take on your own challenge to commemorate D-Day80 and National Armed Forces Day, please email: fundraising @blindveterans.org.uk.

If you want make a donation to support Ian with his fundraising for Blind Veterans UK, visit his JustGiving page.

Blind Veterans UK supports thousands of blind veterans around the world country, but know that there are many thousands of people who still need support to rebuild their lives after vision loss.

If you, or someone you know, has served in the Armed Forces, including National Service, and is now struggling with vision loss, please contact us. Call 0800 389 7979 or go to: blindveterans.org.uk/support.