Yarnton boy to cycle 50km for blind ex-servicemen (From thisisoxfordshire)

Yarnton boy to cycle 50km for blind ex-servicemen

6:10pm Friday 10th September 2010 in

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A boy from Yarnton is gearing up to cycle more 50km to help blinded and partially sighted ex-servicemen and women.

Army-mad Jack Haynes, 12, was so moved by a story he read in a charity leaflet that he decided to help those who lose their sight in service every year.

The Marlborough School pupil will set off from Bognor Regis, West Sussex, tomorrow for charity St Dunstan’s rehabilitation and training centre near Brighton.

Despite never having cycled for a long distance before, Jack, helped by dad Robin, mum Denise, 42, and sister Aofe, nine, set about organising the ride.

Jack has already raised more than £900 for the charity, £400 more than he had hoped for, and wants to add as much as he possibly can to the total.

He said: “I was so impressed with the work St Dunstan’s do I wanted to do something to help in a small way.

“When I read the leaflet, I saw that the man who wrote the leaflet was blinded while serving abroad.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the people at St Dunstan’s at the end of the cycle ride.”

Denise Yeats, community and events fundraising manager at St Dunstan’s, said: “Everyone is really impressed with Jack’s initiative and determination.”