Horsham police officer tackles 100k charity walk

A Police officer from Horsham completed a 100k walk in an impressive 21 hours and 49 minutes for Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women.
100k Michael Wheeler (left) & Nick Truan (right) SUS-150624-105900001100k Michael Wheeler (left) & Nick Truan (right) SUS-150624-105900001
100k Michael Wheeler (left) & Nick Truan (right) SUS-150624-105900001

Nick Truan, 39, has done long distance walking events before but nothing as challenging as the Blind Veterans UK 100k London to Brighton event.

He says: “At the start line I was quite overwhelmed by the distance I had to cover. However, as I reached each check point my confidence grew. Before I realised I passed the half way point.”

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The Blind Veterans UK 100k challenge took walkers across South London, through countryside paths in Surrey and Sussex and the North and South Downs to the charity’s centre in Ovingdean, Brighton.

Nick says: “The night stage of the walk was really enjoyable as you walk through Sussex villages and climbing onto the South Downs at sunrise was spectacular.”

Nick feels strongly about fundraising for Blind Veterans UK. He says: “My Granddad served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War. I am a firm believer that if you serve your county you should receive the best care and support possible.”

Nick was particularly inspired and impressed by blind veterans supported by Blind Veterans UK who were taking part in the 100k challenge.

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Nick says: “Walking a 100k is a challenge in itself, but to do it as a blind person is an amazing achievement. I walked behind one veteran and his guide, along a really difficult stretch of terrain, and was blown away by the concentration, communication and team work being shown between the two.”

Registration for the 100k in 2016, which will kick off in South West London on Saturday 2 July, is currently open with an early bird registration fee of £50 per participant. You can also take on the route as a 4x25k relay team for just £25 per person. Participants will receive full support along the route including hot food at three rest stops, snacks and refreshments and an exclusive event t-shirt.

To find out more about Blind Veterans UK, please visit www.blindveterans.org.uk

You can still support Nick following his great achievement of completing the Blind Veterans 100k challenge, please visit www.justgiving.com/Nick-Truan.

Report and picture contributed by Blind Veterans UK.