A BRITISH Army veteran who has lost his sight completely is taking on a gruelling challenge to raise money for two sight loss charities. 

Craig ‘Freddie’ Lundberg, a former Corporal in the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, will set off on the long journey with sighted pilot Callum Edge. The pair will cycle for 10 days in a row, going all the way from Land’s End to John O’Groat’s.

It’s a challenge Mr Lundberg didn’t think he’d ever be able to take on after losing his sight during a rooftop battle in Basra, a city in Iraq, in March 2007.

Mr Lundberg lost his left eye instantly and his right eye was damaged beyond repair. Incredibly, he tried to continue fighting.

He said: “I got up and demanded my rifle, but it had been bent by the force of the blast. My mate got me another rifle and I tried to carry on firing. But I only managed a few steps before I collapsed.”

Doctors managed to keep the former Corporal alive but they couldn't save his sight.

Blind Veterans UK offered him lifelong support, starting with a rehabilitation course at the charity’s Brighton centre.

Since then, Blind Veterans UK have supported Mr Lundberg to continue his recovery and he’s now taking on the tandem ride to ensure more blind veterans get the same level of support.

“Blind Veterans UK was always there for me, whenever I needed them. It’s my turn to give something back," said Mr Lundberg.

The team have been supported by the convenience store, SPAR, to allow them to take on the challenge. They will continue to be supported by the shop throughout the journey as they make regular stops at stores each day of the ride.

Cycling from 11 – 20 June, the duo will stop at ten SPAR stores throughout England Wales and Scotland.

As well as raising money for Blind Veterans UK,  the riders will also be supporting the charity Vision Aid Overseas.