Blind veteran’s son walking 57km

A blind veteran, his son, and two of his son’s work colleagues are joining forces to take on a 57km walk this autumn to support our blind veterans.

Ben works at Bristol based organisation Evolve Commercial. His father, Steve is a blind veteran who was registered sight impaired in 2023 and began being supported by us shortly after. 

Evolve Commercial are a specialist provider of digital and technology focused commercial and procurement services to the secure and government sectors including the Ministry of Defence. 

The support Ben’s father has received has inspired Ben's workplace to take on the South Coast Ultra on 6 September alongside ten other blind veterans and staff from our charity. 
 
The group will be walking a range of distances from 25km to 100km. Together they will set off from Eastbourne with those taking on the furthest distance arriving in Arundel after around 24 hours. 

Ben, who lives in Cumbria, will be guiding Steve during the walk. He says:

“Blind Veterans UK has really helped my dad during his sight loss journey and given him a lot of confidence. 
 
“They do the same for so many other blind veterans and as a family we want to do something to give back and raise awareness of their work."

Evolve Commercial

Ben's company were also keen to get onboard and support the charity and two of his colleagues will also be walking. During the challenge they will take it in turns to wear simulation glasses to experience what it is like for Ben's father. 

Rob, Company Director, from Evolve Commercial says: 

“We are absolutely thrilled to support Blind Veterans UK. The work of the charity resonates deeply with Evolve Commercial, not only because we are proud to have serving reservists and veterans within our own company, but also due to the personal connection of Ben’s father who is part of the Blind Veterans UK family.”

Evolve Commercial are a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. The scheme encourages businesses to mitigate disadvantages that may be faced by the Armed Forces community or to support the community by employing former members of the Armed Forces.

Alan, Company Director, from Evolve Commercial says:

“As a company, we are committed to supporting charities that enrich the lives of those who have served our nation. And let's be honest, who doesn't love a good walk along our beautiful coastlines for such a profoundly worthy cause. We're looking forward to seeing our team come together and make a real difference for these inspiring veterans.” 

Ben's father

Steve, 61, who lives in Norwich enlisted into the Army at 20-years-old and served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. During Steve’s service he was stationed in Berlin when the Berlin Wall came down on 9 November 1989. 
  
Over the last five years, Steve’s eyesight has deteriorated due to diabetic retinopathy. He was registered sight impaired in 2023. 

Steve searched the internet for available help and support and came across our charity. He says:

“I got in touch with Blind Veterans UK and within two weeks they had me on an induction course. When I arrived for the course, I’d lost my confidence but during the course I felt able to open up as I was surrounded by people who understood me, people who had a shared military background and were living with sight loss. I left that induction course as a completely different person. 
 
“The charity has helped me with access to a walking machine that I use every day to help get myself fit which is now proving very useful in preparing for my upcoming challenge."

Ben and the team from Evolve Commercial are hoping to raise £5,000 for our charity which is the cost of ten blind veterans and their guides taking part in this challenge.

You can support Ben, Steve and the Evolve Commercial team: