A BLIND civil servant from Barrow is tackling a 100km challenge in a bid to raise awareness of a charity which helps visually impaired veterans.

Adrian Treharne MBE, 46, will be taking on the 100k Yorkshire, a gruelling circular route which will see him pass landmarks such as Brimham Pass, Ripley castle and Darley Memorial Hall in Nidderdale from June 23.

The 46-year-old, who grew up in Catterick Garrison says he signed up to the event to "satisfy a growing urge" to test himself physically.

"For a while now I’ve wanted to do some fundraising that would allow me to push my body to the limit and the 100k Yorkshire just seemed like the perfect opportunity.

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“I’ve done 30-mile walks before, but nothing like this- I’m anxious, if a little worried to find out how strong my legs are, that being said, I’m currently in the midst of a 100-day, one million-metre row challenge, so hopefully that won’t do any harm either.

The keen fundraiser who was awarded an MBE in this year's honours list for services to people with disabilities in the public and charitable sectors, has been living with sight loss since birth, when he was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa- a condition which gives tunnel vision.

Despite his impairment, he has worked his way up in the civil service and is now working as an assistant director for sustainable development in the Home Office and will also be completing this year's Keswick to Barrow.

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He is completing all challenges in aid of Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-servicemen and women.

He added: “I’m also a director and trustee of a blind society in Cumbria, and the idea of participating in an event which supports ex-service personnel is something that myself and the chief executive have been speaking about for a while now.

“Getting out there, pushing yourself physically and interacting with some great people is an incredibly worthwhile use of anyone’s time.

"With a charity such as Blind Veterans UK, what’s also important is that most people will know someone who has or will have an eye problem at some point in their lives.

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"The work the charity does, along with some many other sight loss charities, is absolutely vital and something that we all stand to benefit from – if not now, then in years to come.”

To support Adrian, visit: justgiving.com/adrian-treharne.to sign up for the blind veterans uk 100k, please visit blindveterans.org.uk/100k.