A group of Army Cadets and a blind veteran have managed to take on a trek of over 50 miles in order to raise money and awareness for Blind Veterans UK. Simon Mahoney and his dog Becky embarked on the journey across the Peak District with cadets from A Company Derbyshire Army Cadet Force.

The walk led the group from Mr Mahoney's hometown of Ashbourne through the Peak District to Sheffield. It took the group three days, with them attempting the trek from September 23rd to the 26th. 

This challenge was undertaken in a bid to help raise funds and increase awareness of the work that Blind Veterans UK do. The charity helps visually-impaired ex-servicemen and women throughout the country and Mr Mahoney tries to do regular fundraising for it.

According to Mr Mahoney, the challenge was a lot more difficult than he had initially anticipated and the cadets were a great help to him throughout it.

He told Charity Today: “The terrain was much tougher than I thought and it meant it was a real challenge for both me and the cadets. They guided me by describing the terrain and what was in front of me, which must have been tiring and quite an exercise for them but they did a great job.”

Blind Veterans UK has given support to Mr Mahoney for the last three years and so he wants to give back and let people know about the challenges that blind ex-service personnel face. He also wants to let more visually-impaired veterans and their families know that there is a charity that can help them.

“Losing your sight is not the end of the world and only a small part of being blind," he said. "You can still do things and Blind Veterans UK can help. They teach you to improvise, adapt and overcome. This challenge proved my point that a blind man can do anything with decent guidance.”

The Army Cadets were invited by Mr Mahoney to get involved with the challenge. According to Captain Adrian Dobb, they took on the challenge as part of the continued mission to support good causes within the local community. 

While the group didn't manage to walk the full route due to the terrain and not having enough time, Mr Mahoney is determined to try again next year in order to complete it.

You can support his cause by donating to justgiving.com/simonchallenge100.