A GRIMSBY sailor is one of more than 20 set to take on a half marathon in Bahrain to raise money for veterans in need.

Lee Freeman will be one of 21 sailors taking on the Bahrain Half Marathon this Friday as part of the Royal Navy team, who have so far raised around £2,000 for Blind Veterans UK.

The charity is a national organisation which supports visually-impaired ex-servicemen and women.

The idea to run the 13.1 mile race started with Leighton O’Doherty, 32, from Jarrow, who ran the half marathon back in 2014 and is passionate about fundraising for the charity that supports his uncle.

He put the idea forward to HMS Bangor’s crew and now the sailors are gearing up for the run, from the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Tom Weaver, to the newest members of the ship’s company.

Lee, 29, said: “I was really pleased when Leighton put the idea across as it’s a good way to raise money for a great charity.

“It is a real honour to fundraise for Blind Veterans UK – it gives me the opportunity to give back to the men and women who served for our country before me.”

Lee added: “I’ve run this half marathon before in 2014 and as a personal goal I would like to beat my previous time.”

Leighton, who joined the Royal Navy in 2002, said: “I never thought when I put the idea forward that so many people would be willing to run the Bahrain Half Marathon together.

“I suggested Blind Veterans UK to the team, perhaps selfishly as I have raised money before and I feel very strongly about it.

“The majority of the runners are fairly new to the Royal Navy and hadn’t heard of the charity before, but they were more than happy to support and agreed it is a worthy cause.”

Leighton’s uncle, Colin Williamson, has received help and support from Blind Veterans UK since 2003. Colin served in the Army for five years. In 1992 he was involved in an unprovoked street attack which gradually caused him to lose his sight and he was registered blind in 2002.

Leighton said: “I’ve seen first-hand the support Blind Veterans UK has given to my uncle and they continue to do so to this day. It isn’t just the support they give him but also to the younger guys coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan.”

The crew served on HMS Ramsey until November and then, after a short period of leave, flew to Bahrain to take over HMS Bangor for six months.

To find out more about how you can support Blind Veterans UK, visit www.blindveterans.org.uk

To support Lee and the rest of HMS Bangor crew, log onto www.justgiving.com/BahrainHalfMarathon

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter