AN EX-SOLDIER who served in the British Army for more than 20 years is running the London Marathon to raise money for Blind Veterans UK.

Matt Spruce, of Colwyn Bay, will take on the gruelling 26.2 mile run on April 23.

The 41-year-old joined the army when he was 16.

He served for 23 years as a combat medical technician in the Royal Army Medical Corps.

Matt said: “During my time I served in several operations, including Iraq and Afghanistan, and I saw first-hand the devastating injuries suffered by our servicemen and women.

“I find it incredibly humbling to see the work military charities like Blind Veterans UK do to better the lives of those who have suffered life changing injuries.

“I was fortunate to leave the military unscathed but that isn’t to say I won’t need support from a military charity in the future and I feel very fortunate to be able to support the work that Blind Veterans UK does.

“I’ve recently learnt that someone I served with, someone who is a similar age to me, has lost his sight. It is still early in his journey, but I know Blind Veterans UK will be there for him if he wants their support. The charity is not just for older veterans, it is for anyone who has served their country.”

Matt has run four marathons before, but this will be his first London Marathon.

“This is a tough marathon to train for, the majority of the training has to happen during the winter months when it’s dark, cold and wet. It’s hard to get the motivation to go out after work when the daylight has already disappeared," he said.

“My aim is to get myself fit enough to enjoy the day and to ensure I do my best for all those that are already donating towards Blind Veterans UK, this is what is motivating me.

“I started training the first week of December and I’m running around 50km a week. I’m not going to win the marathon and I’ve no specific time in mind, I just want to have fun and not be in pain.

“In the military, looking after your fitness and training are part of the job. I’d train three or four times a week in work time. When you leave you need to learn how to be a civilian, your habits change, and I was no longer looking after my fitness.

“Being awarded a place in the London Marathon to represent Blind Veterans UK has changed that and I now can’t go more than two days without a run. I’m enjoying it and I want to keep it going.”

Matt is aiming to raise £2,000 for the charity and uses social media as a way in which to raise awareness of his fundraising. His approach has enabled him to involve his supporters in his fundraising journey and ask for support in a way more suited to the current financial climate.

He added: “It’s a difficult time to be asking for money from people due to the current cost of living crisis, social media allows me to reach out to people with a personal touch but without putting people on the spot face to face.

“I started off by sending a message to 50 of my social media contacts letting them know about my latest fundraising challenge. I have followed that up with funny messages and links to a video diary of my training and my fundraising which allows donors and potential donors to feel part of the journey with me."

To support Matt, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/matthew-spruce1