Ex-Soldier Biking From Hampshire-Sussex For Blind Veterans UK

In news sure to be of interest to those seeking jobs after the army, a 68-year-old former solder from Sussex has announced that he’ll be motorcycling from Hampshire to Sussex as part of Ride for Life Beyond Sight Loss to raise cash for Blind Veterans UK.

Brighton-based Ian Savage joined the army in 1967, serving as a Trooper in the Blues and Royals before being posted to Cyprus and Germany where he worked on tanks and cars, finally leaving in 1973.

He’ll now be taking to his Yamaha Royal Star Cruiser and setting off from Loomies Café in Hampshire, riding all the way to the Blind Veterans UK centre in Brighton to help support the trust in its centenary year.

Mr Savage was inspired to lend his support based on his experiences of visiting the centre in Ovingdean during his childhood. “It really struck home seeing so many disabled people in one place. It made me aware of sight loss. I heard the terrible stories of how veterans lost their sight and the inspiring tales of how they worked through it,” he said.

He’s not the only one taking part in the Ride for Life event on August 15th. Retired police officer Chris Holding, 63, will also be on his bike, riding from Gloucestershire to Sussex to help raise money for the organisation.

Places are still available if you’re interested in lending your support. They cost £15 per rider, with the event starting in Moreton-in-Marsh at 09:00 and finishing with a barbecue at the centre in Brighton later on that day.