Lance Corporal Craig Lundberg:

Ain’t no mountain high enough for Iraq veteran and guide dog Hugo

Four years ago Lance Corporal Craig Lundberg lost his eyesight fighting for his country in Iraq. But the war veteran has not stopped representing Great Britain. Having tackled Mount Kilimanjaro and played football for England, the 26-year-old is always on the move and never without his trusty guide dog, Hugo.

The inseparable partnership between Craig and Hugo began in 2009 and ever since Hugo has had to be fit as a fiddle to keep up with his owner who is constantly seeking new challenges.

Craig lost his sight in March 2007 during a battle with insurgents in Basra. Targeted by a rocket-propelled grenade, he was lucky to survive the blast which resulted in an open wound on his arm and the loss of his left eye. Serious damage to his right eye resulted in the detachment of the retina, and damage to the lens and cornea leaving him totally blind.

Showing strength in the face of adversity, Craig endeavoured to keep active and climbed Kilimanjaro in 2009. He also threw himself into his football; playing for Hereford United blind football team he received tips along the way from fellow players David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and John Terry. These clearly paid off as he was honoured with the Player of the Year Award in 2010.

Craig still keeps very busy and is modest despite his outstanding achievements. As well as training for football once a week he has aspirations to climb Everest, visit the North Pole, walk the Great Wall of China and compete in a marathon across the Sahara Desert. With all these huge plans Craig is glad of the help from his guide dog Hugo who, like a personal trainer, runs along side him when he’s keeping fit.

Now I can go anywhere, he really is a great companion

“Hugo is daft and incredibly loveable, but he makes a massive difference. Getting around is much quicker and safer. Before having Hugo, I would make a point of leaving the house frequently but I was restricted to familiar places. Now I can go anywhere, he really is a great companion”.- Lance Corporal Craig Lundberg