Blind helmsman's record bid

He is expecting to beat the official World Enduro record.

The attempt, to shave about half-an-hour off the previous record, is part of the St Dunstan's Blind Ambition Campaign, which is aiming to raise £100,000 to help ex-servicemen and women realise their ambitions.

Mr Threadgold is a member of St Dunstan's care home for blind ex-servicemen and women in Brighton.

He says he had no idea what he was letting himself in for when he accepted the offer of a powerboat ride around the Isle of Wight.

He said: "I knew a group of Army recruits had been sailing around the UK to raise money for St Dunstan's and I thought they were going to be the ones driving the boat.

"When I found out they wanted me to do it I was shocked but agreed to give it a go.

"I have handled some boats in the past but this is something very different.

"I was a bit uneasy when I first got behind the wheel but it didn't take long for the nervousness to wear off. Now I find it brilliant and I can't wait for the attempt."

Mr Threadgold joined the junior Army in 1984, where he completed a two-year telecommunications electronic engineers apprenticeship.

He then served in the regular Army for 15 years, reaching the rank of sergeant.

In 1999 he lost his sight following a serious head injury and when he left hospital he was referred to St Dunstan's.

Mr Threadgold, 34, has been training extensively throughout the spring and early summer to make sure the attempt will be safe and successful.

He will be accompanied by a support team and a trainer who will navigate and act as a safety supervisor.

They will communicate through touches and words.

The record attempt will start off the Isle of Wight on Sunday at 7.45am.

He will cover just over 50 miles, travelling at a speed of 20 knots, which is about 23mph.

Anyone interested in helping the Blind Ambition campaign can call St Dunstan's on 0207 723 5021 or visit the web site at www.st-dunstans.org.uk