Lee, a blind veteran living in Extra Care, is preparing to take on a demanding Dartmoor walking challenge to raise a target of £1,000 for Guide Dogs, a UK based charity helping people with sight loss live the life they choose.
Lee lives at The Rise, Housing 21's specialist development for people with visual impairment. He lost his sight at the age of 44 after suffering a brain aneurysm that left him in a coma for several weeks.
Joined by sighted guides, Lee will begin the sponsored walk in Princetown before heading north of Walkhampton and circling back to complete the route. The navigationally challenging trek across Dartmoor has required extensive preparation to ensure the team is ready for all weather conditions.
Lee's fundraising effort comes as he waits for a guide dog of his own and shows his determination to continue pushing boundaries despite the life-changing impact of losing his sight.
Lee said: “Truthfully my head has not stopped spinning since I woke up from the coma, however with the help of this amazing charity I am learning to spin with it.
“I am currently on the waiting list for a guide dog of my own and I am excited to get a partnership and hopefully expand my boundaries.
“It’s a navigationally demanding trek across the moor. It is a long-distance walk that has needed some serious planning to be ready for all weather conditions.”
This isn't the first fundraising challenge Lee has taken on. Last year, he raised more than £2,500 for Blind Veterans UK after swimming 2,000 metres in just over two hours.
Housing 21 has a longstanding connection with the Armed Forces community. Established in 1964, Housing 21 was originally formed to provide housing for older and disabled ex-servicemen and widows through its origins within the Royal British Legion. In 2024, the organisation further strengthened its commitment to the Armed Forces community by signing the Armed Forces Covenant pledge, reaffirming its support for those who have served.
To sponsor Lee and support his fundraising efforts for Guide Dogs, visit his JustGiving page.