Darren earns title of first blind man to run Land's End to John O'Groats

RNC is proud to have played a small part in the historic journey of Darren Blanks, a remarkable ex-serviceman who recently completed a groundbreaking feat. Darren, who is both blind and partially deaf, successfully ran the length of Great Britain from Land's End to John O’Groats, becoming the first blind person to achieve this.

Pictured above: Darren (front and centre) surround by his welcoming committee
 
Darren began his journey on 16 August and on 24 August, RNC had the honour of hosting him as he crossed the finish line on the eighth leg of the challenge.

After an ultra run of 35-miles starting from Chepstow Castle, Darren arrived at RNC to a hero's welcome from Lucy Proctor (RNC's Principal), Kevin Tillett (Mayor of Hereford), Councillor Peter Stoddart (Chairman of the Armed Forces Covenant Herefordshire), Stephen Cole (County Chairman of the Royal British Legion), Brian Cheasley (Standard Bearer for the Royal British Legion), Hereford Couriers Running Club, members of the Veterans Community and members of RNC staff who had prepared a fitting welcome.

Our Massage and Complementary Therapies team was also on hand to give Darren and his support runners a well-deserved massage.

Along the way, Darren was accompanied by members of the Hereford Couriers Running Club, RNC staff member Phil Marshall, and 12-year-old athlete, Saffi. (Saffi and Courier, Chris Smart, also joined Darren on several more legs of his journey.)

Maxine (Saffi's mum) commented:

'It was an absolute privilege for Saffi to run 20 km over four days with Darren on his journey from Land's End to John O'Groats. It was such a small part of that journey but Darren has inspired her so much and she has been following his progress daily.'

On 12 September, Darren finally reached John O’Groats, completing his phenomenal journey. Over the course of 28 days, he ran an astonishing 1490.81 kilometres, earning the title of the first blind runner to successfully complete the Land's End to John O’Groats challenge.

Additionally, we are thrilled to read that Darren’s fundraising efforts for the Visually Impaired Veterans Ski Club have surpassed £18,000.

We are over the moon to have played a small part in Darren's incredible adventure and send huge congratulations from everyone at the College.

View more photos here.

Watch Darren's arrival at the College here.

Watch Darren arrive at John O'Groats here.