A BLIND Armed Services veteran is urging the public to take part in a fundraising walk for a good cause.

Blind Veterans UK has dedicated the month of March to veterans with a series of fundraising challenges.

The charity helps vision-impaired ex-servicemen and women of every generation rebuild their lives after losing their sight.

Alex Jennings, 89, from Burnham, completed his National Service as an acting interpreter with the Royal Engineers in Germany between 1949 and 1952.

Being in Germany before the construction of the Berlin Wall, he vividly remembers the daily fear of an imminent Soviet attack.

It was later in life at the age of 85 that cataracts, retinal vein thrombosis and macular degeneration started to rob Mr Jennings of his sight, which has been in steady decline ever since.

Luckily, he found out about Blind Veterans UK, who have been supporting him since last year.

Mr Jennings said: “I’ve got nothing but praise for them.

“This year I’m going down to the rehabilitation centre in Brighton where I’m looking forward to learning how to use a magnifier so I can read newspapers and books at home again.

“It will also be great to meet other sight-impaired ex-service personnel who are in the same boat as myself.

Since 1915, the charity has provided rehabilitation, training, practical advice and emotional support to tens of thousands of blind veterans.

A March for Veterans fundraising walk takes place next month.

The ten-mile hike is in Shoeburyness on Saturday, March 28.

Mr Jennings said: “Events like these are critical for raising the funds that support blind veterans like myself in Essex and beyond.

“Why not round up your family and take part in this beautiful walk for a great cause.

“I and my fellow blind veterans would really appreciate it.”

For details, visit blindveterans.org.uk/march/shoeburyness.