200 miles a month resolution

Blind Veteran Andy has set himself a resolution to run or walk 200 miles every month of 2026, totalling 2,400 miles by the end of the year to support our charity.

Andy, 51, and from Aldershot in Hampshire, had the idea for this challenge as his training intensified in preparation for the London Marathon this April.

Andy joined the Army in 1992 and spent 19 years with the Royal Logistics Corps. At 37, he only had two years left to serve and had begun to plan for his future outside of the Army.

But retinitis pigmentosa caused a gradual decline in his sight which meant he was forced to retire early from the military.

Our support

Andy began to receive our support in 2011. He says:

“Back in 2011, I was really struggling. I felt utterly rejected, weighed down by depression, and was fighting some serious personal battles. Thankfully the unwavering support I received from the charity and, most importantly, my family, helped me through those dark times.

“With their encouragement, I found my feet again and slowly rebuilt my confidence, rediscovering myself, not just as Andy but as a devoted family man eager to face whatever came next.”

Sport and fitness

Andy’s rehabilitation has been aided along the way with sport and fitness. He says:

“Running the London Marathon had always been a dream of mine, and in 2015, Blind Veterans UK gave me the chance to make it a reality. I’ll admit I didn’t fully appreciate just how tough 26.2 miles would be. The pain was real, but the sense of achievement when I crossed that finish line was greater.”

In 2016, as Andy sat and home and watched the London Marathon on the TV, he realised something was missing from his life and that he’d lost his sense of purpose. In that moment he decided to find a guide and start training again.

He kicked off 2017 by setting himself a goal of running 100 miles in January. He says:

“With fresh motivation, I kept up the training and, to my surprise, smashed my target ahead of schedule. I challenged myself again in February to run the same distance in even fewer days. The tone was set for the rest of the year, and I ended up clocking up 1,200 miles. In the same year I was presented with an award by Blind Veterans UK for Sportsperson Of The Year which boosted my new found confidence further.”

Since 2017, Andy has thrown himself into many physical challenges including triathlons, 100km walks, cycling challenges between London and Brighton, ten London Marathons, ultra marathons and endurance adventures. 

Looking back, Andy says he can see just how much the charity has done for him and his family. He says:

"That’s why I’m so passionate about giving back by supporting the charity and helping them to make a difference for others, just like they did for us.”

New challenge

Andy’s mental health was challenged again when his personal situation changed in 2025. He says:

“Memories returned of the tough times I faced in 2011, but I was determined not to lose myself. I threw myself in to the training for the London Marathon 2026 - but with the event drawing closer I have been concerned about what I’d do once the marathon was complete.

“I’ve decided to keep things going with the 200 mile a month challenge. The routine and physical and mental impact of getting out on my training walks and runs is clear to me. The knowledge that what I’m doing is supporting Blind Veterans UK keeps me focused and boosts my self-worth and confidence."

You can support Andy with his fundraising challenge: