Great North Run 2024

Tens of thousands of runners came together to complete the 13.1-mile Great North Run course from Newcastle to South Shields on Sunday September 8.

Among them were 13 runners taking part in support of our charity, raising over £5,000 between them.

Blind veteran Steve, 47, from Tyne and Wear was one of those who challenged himself this year. Steve served in the Royal Navy as a chef from 1997 to 2001 but was medically discharged after breaking his knee.

It was when Steve was in his 30s that he discovered he was losing his sight due to the hereditary eye condition retinitis pigmentosa. Steve began being supported by our charity in January and has already received a home assessment and recommendations for equipment that will help him to retain his independence.

Steve, who now has no peripheral vision, was guided around the course by his childhood best friend Chris who is a serving member of the Royal Navy. Steve says:

“The staff at Blind Veterans UK are fantastic at helping people with sight loss live their best life with a massive focus on the social elements that are often lost when you leave the Armed Forces."

Joining Steve in team Blind Veterans UK were two members of staff from our charity and ten supporters. One of whom, Kenny Nesworthy, ran his ninth Great North Run. The others were all taking part in the event for the first time. Supporter Garry Gale says:

“I ran for Blind Veterans UK because I have family members that are visually impaired and I understand the hardships and struggles. Blind Veterans UK is a superb cause helping those that have been injured with sight loss whilst serving in the military.

“The run was harder than I thought due to not having the right energy levels. However, that did not stop me giving it my all and coming in at one hour 44 minutes. I enjoyed the challenge and the rain, as well as the pint at the end. Roll on next year.”

Supporter Jordan Pirt chose to run in support of our charity because of the support we provide to his grandad. He says:

“The charity does amazing work in supporting him, I have seen first-hand just how much of a difference their work makes.”

Rachel, is a Community Support Worker with our charity. Rachel’s role sees her providing vital support to our blind veterans within the community. She says:

“Running the Great North Run for Blind Veterans UK was a huge privilege and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to give something back. I was really anxious about the distance, having never ran a half marathon before, but the crowd, the sweets, the high-fives, the music and cheers got me round in a time of one hour and 54 minutes – a day I won’t forget!”

Sian, from our Community Partnerships team, says:

“Every year we are overwhelmed by the support of those who take on the challenge of the Great North Run. We are immensely grateful to each and every one of the runners who chose to support our blind veterans this year.

“The money raised will go a long way to providing vital equipment and rehabilitation to ensure our blind veterans are able to live as independently as possible with sight loss.”