Blind veteran "climbing Everest" to give back

A blind veteran from Bearsden in Glasgow is ascending the height of Mount Everest through January and fundraising for us after we helped him become independent after sight loss.

60-year-old Jamie Cuthbertson is completing 526 ascents of the stairwell in his block of flats in order to climb the 8,849-metre height of Mount Everest. By taking on 20 ascents a day he will complete the 47,866 total steps required to reach the peak.

Jamie says:

“Blind Veterans UK have been supporting me since I lost my sight in 1986. I’ve always wanted to do something to give back and lockdown gave me the perfect opportunity.

“After I got out of the hospital following my accident the charity put me through seven months of rehabilitation training at their centre in Brighton."

Jamie continues:

“So I’m climbing the height of Everest and raising money for Blind Veterans UK. So far I’ve raised £1,500 towards my £2,000 goal. I appreciate any support that anyone can offer to help me hit my target!”

Jamie joined the Royal Engineers in 1982. He was based in Tidworth and served in Belize, Cyprus, Denmark and Germany. It was while preparing for a demolition exercise that 100 detonators went off next to Jamie and caused him to lose his sight.

Jamie raised an amazing £3,650 for Blind Veterans UK through his Virgin Money Giving page.