THREE friends from Llandudno are set to cycle 200km around Anglesey to raise money for Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-servicemen and women.
James Singleton, Aled Parry and Tom Hutin will be saddling up for their challenge on 9 and 10 May. They will set off at 6am from their place of work, Gwynedd Forklifts in Mochdre, and cycle for up to ten hours before staying the night in Holyhead.
The following morning, they will jump back on their bikes at 6am and finish the loop around Anglesey ending back where they started after another ten hours on their bikes.
James is no stranger to fundraising for Blind Veterans UK. In 2022, James walked 140 miles around the Anglesey Coastline and raised £3,400 for the charity.
James said:
“In 2022, I was sitting in a local pub with my Dad and there was a blind veteran sitting beside us who was staying at the charity’s Llandudno centre. He told Dad and me his story, what he had been through, and how Blind Veterans UK had helped him.
“I was mesmerised and knew right then that I would take on a challenge to raise money for the charity, to show them my support, and to help them provide rehabilitation to even more veterans.
“So here I am in 2024, and I’m taking on another challenge but this time I’m not alone. Aled and Tom will be by my side.
“None of us are cyclists so this is a huge challenge for us, getting back on the bikes on day two is going to be difficult!”
Friend and colleague Tom said:
“The three of us have spoken about doing this challenge for a while. For me, I am looking to push myself out of my comfort zone while supporting a fantastic local charity.
“Not only are we taking on this huge physical challenge which will see us push each other along the way but we are highlighting Blind Veterans UK among our families, friends and the community. Their donations will help support blind veterans and that is something to be proud of.”
James, Aled and Tom work for Gwynedd Forklifts who match funded the money raised by James for his previous challenge and will be doing the same again.
The group have already raised £495 for Blind Veterans UK, if you would like to support them in reaching their target of £1,000 please visit their JustGiving page.
If you are inspired to take on your own challenge in June for Armed Forces Month please visit the Blind Veterans UK website for details on how you can get involved: blindveterans.org.uk/support-us/fundraise-for-us/armed-forces-month.
Blind Veterans UK supports thousands of blind veterans across the country but knows there are many thousands more who still need its support to rebuild their lives after sight loss.
If you, or someone you know, served in the Armed Forces, including National Service, and are now struggling with sight loss, then please get in touch. Call 0800 389 7979 or visit: blindveterans.org.uk/gethelp.