A BLIND veteran who has already run a marathon during lockdown is now calling on others to join him in a boot-camp-style fundraising challenge.

Darren Blanks, 33, from Egremont, completed two terms of duty in Iraq with the King’s Royal Hussars in 2005 and 2007 before losing his sight suddenly due to the condition Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy.

He has been supported throughout by Blind Veterans UK and now wants to give something back through his Power Up challenge.

He said: “The pandemic means that more and more of us are cooped up inside, whether that be due to working from home or the gyms being closed. Everyone knows how important exercise is for our mental health and so this challenge provides a great opportunity to get fit and raise money for a brilliant charity that needs funds more than ever at the moment.

“As a former soldier I know how boot camps get you very fit very quickly so this is a perfect challenge for anyone wanting to level up their fitness in 30 days.”

Mr Blanks, who completed a marathon in his back garden. said the boot camp challenge will get participants in shape to the extent that they will be able to complete 60 press-ups, 300 squats and hold a plank for four minutes.

He completed a marathon in his back garden back in April, following the postponement of the London Marathon in which he was supposed to participate.

He said: “I decided to run the London Marathon for Blind Veterans UK as they have been supporting me for nearly ten years.

“Not only have they given me equipment to help me with day to day tasks but it’s great to meet other blind veterans and hear their stories”.

The charity supports blind and partially sighted veterans.

Power Up for Veterans can be done during any 30-day period. Register yours at blindveterans.org.uk/powerup.