A veteran from the Isle of Man is training to compete in the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon for Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-service men and women.

John de Weert, 53, decided to sign up to the 13.1-mile challenge after reconnecting with old Army friends.

He said: ’It was largely down to Facebook really. Some friends I used to serve with got in touch and told me they’d be doing it.

’They wanted to know whether I’d be interested and so, after reading about the support the charity provides to veterans suffering vision-impairment, I got myself signed up.

"It’s an incredibly worthwhile cause and I’m looking forward to being able to show my support."’

John who served in the 1st Royal Anglian Regiment between 1983 and 1988, spending time in both Northern Ireland and Gibraltar. He has undertaken a number of charity fundraising challenges over the years, including marathons and cross-country bike rides in America.

He currently works as a lorry driver, transporting trailers from boats to shops on the Isle of Man.

He has previously worked in literature, having written three children’s books.

’When I used to put my children to bed I’d find myself making up all these different kinds of stories, which they’d in turn tell their friends at school,’ he said. ’Eventually, my son’s teacher asked me to write them down so that she could read them to the other kids at school!’

John’s training regime has so far proved successful, having already reached up to 13 miles in training, with over a month still to go.

’My fundraising is going well too,’ he said. ’I’ve already raised my target of £300, so it’s safe to say I’m in a good place right now!’

The Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathontakes place on October 8.