A SOLDIER is taking on a 5k run, swimming 30 lengths and scaling a climbing wall whilst blindfolded in a bid to raise money to support blind veterans.

Nephi Attree, who is a Exercise Rehabilitation Instructor with the Royal Army Physical Training Corps, will spend a full 48-hours blindfolded across the weekend (25 and 26) to raise cash for Blind Veterans UK.

As well as facing the challenges of a day-to-day life which those with sight loss deal with every day, like making a cup of tea, opening post and cooking, the 29-year-old is taking on the Castle Park park run, swimming 30 lengths and tackling the climbing wall at Leisure World Tiptree.

Mr Attree, who is based in Colchester, said: "I’ve been wanting to fundraise for a while but was never quite sure who to support or what to do.

"But when I found out about Blind Veterans UK and the way that they transform lives, it was an easy decision to support them.

"A 48-hour blindfold challenge seemed like an appropriate one.

"I’ve seen the support they offer veterans my age who have been wounded in combat as well as more elderly veterans who have been struck down by Macular Degeneration and the cause really stuck with me."

Blind Veterans UK helps vision impaired ex-service men and women of all ages rebuild their lives after sight loss.

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

Mr Attree said he is looking forward to seeing how well he can deal with total sight loss, although he knows how lucky he is it is just for two days.

He said: "The size of the task ahead is slowly dawning on me but I’m interested to see how I adjust and gain a new perspective on the challenges that the vision-impaired experience on a daily basis.

“If anyone wants to come and cheer me on at the Castle Park 5k on October 26, it would be much appreciated."

He hopes to raise at least £350 with the challenge.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/48hrblindchallenge.