Veteran Kevin Pringle from Galashiels, who served in the Kings Own Scottish Borderers as a MT driver, is getting ready to take a leap of faith to say thank you to Sight Scotland Veterans for what he describes as 'life changing support'.
Kevin, 63, who has macular degeneration, will be abseiling the Falkirk Wheel on 21 March 2026, alongside fellow veterans Alan Mustard, Jim Morrison, Peter Ramsay, David Martin, Gordon Campbell, Christopher Watson and Tom Christie.
“This is my way of saying thank you. Sight Scotland Veterans has done so much for me and I am very proud to be raising money for them. If taking on this challenge helps them keep supporting others like me, then I am happy to do it.
Kevin's diagnosis
Kevin's eyesight started to deteriorate in 2021 due to dry macular degeneration and completely changed his life. He was forced to retire at 60 and had to give up driving, making him feel like he was losing his freedom.
“It was very difficult. Then someone from my local council suggested I get in touch with Sight Scotland Veterans, and it was the best advice I have ever been given. They have been absolutely brilliant for me. They have built up my confidence again, helped me around my house, got me out into the community and introduced me to new friends.”
Kevin now regularly attends the charity’s Sight Support Group in Galashiels with Independent Living Worker Rachel Thomas.
“Rachel and the group give me so much help and support. It makes such a difference knowing you are not on your own. Kelly from the Information Line has been a great help too. It is so important knowing there is someone there if you need advice or have a question. That reassurance means a lot.
“Sight Scotland Veterans also gave me the chance to march in the Cenotaph Parade for the first time last November. It was an incredibly proud moment for me.”
Taking the leap
“It was the Sports and Partnerships team who first mentioned the Falkirk Wheel abseil to me and I thought, well, I used to do things like this in the forces, so I thought why not give it a go.
“So far, I have raised around one thousand two hundred pounds, which is amazing. I want to thank everyone who has donated. Most of it has come through friends and family, and the British Legion breakfast club in Galashiels helped a lot as well.”
Help Kevin reach his fundraising goal
To support Kevin and our other veterans in their Falkirk Wheel challenge, you can visit their Just Giving page at the link below or call 0131 446 3089 to donate.
Find a Challenge Event
There's a huge variety of fun and challenging marathons, 5kms, walks, and other events taking place throughout the year. Join Team Sight Scotland or Sight Scotland Veterans and help raise vital funds for people living with sight loss.