An Afghan interpreter who lost his sight whilst working for the British Army in Afghanistan is getting ever closer to his Invictus and Paralympic dreams thanks to Blesma. Wali Noori, 35, was working as a translator and cultural advisor on the front line for the British Armed Forces when he was caught in an IED blast in September 2009.

“My family were starving and needed food. I had to have a job, so I went to one of the British Forces’ offices in Kabul to get a job as an interpreter,” said Wali. “When the Taliban detonated that IED, I was thrown up into the sky. I landed on my back and couldn’t see anything. I could hear bullets being fired around me, and once I was helped onto the helicopter, the world went black.”

In 2016, Wali was granted asylum through an MoD scheme and relocated to the UK. He immersed himself in his new local community in Essex and took up running.

“Before I lost my sight, I was a good runner. When I relocated to the UK, I had the chance to get back into running – the blast has taken my two eyes but has given me 100 hearts! I have to inspire people and show people I still have energy and spirit. I haven’t surrendered to my blindness.”

First up was the London Marathon in 2019. Since then, Wali has taken part in 13 running competitions, winning gold and silver medals along the way. Swimming followed, and Wali is now winning medals in swimming galas, too.

In 2022, he joined Blesma, and shortly afterwards was granted British citizenship. This year, Wali has become one step closer to his Invictus and Paralympic dreams as his training will now be supported through Blesma’s Venture Fund. “Nothing is impossible, but you need to fight for your goals; it takes willpower,” said Wali. “People see my disabilities, but I only see my ability. With Blesma’s support I can achieve a lot.