A group of carers from Lincolnshire have received a military charity award for their dedication to caring for a blind veteran supported by Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women.
Lisa Cott, Rachael Roberts, Clare Whitwell, and Leanne Taylor, all from Holbeach or its surrounding villages, received a ‘Carer Recognition Award’ as part of Blind Veterans UK’s annual Founder’s Awards.
Lizzie Bingham, Community Support Worker for Blind Veterans UK, nominated the group for the award for the care they provide for Holbeach resident and blind veteran, Ken Hibberd. She says:
“These ladies’ passion and dedication to supporting individuals in a care capacity is second to none. Their commitment and sense of duty is exemplary, always going the extra mile for Ken with whatever he needs.
“Through the support of Lisa and her team, Ken has been able to remain living at home as he wished to, which was against the odds. The support he receives enables him to live with dignity and peace.”
The four were presented with certificates and a commemorative coin by Blind Veterans UK supporter and serving member of the RAF Police, Corporal Chris Lake. He presented the certificates and coins at the charity’s monthly lunch club in Spalding, which aims to alleviate the loneliness often experienced by veterans as they get older, which is only exacerbated by sight loss.
Ken’s son Steve says:
“I’m delighted that my father’s care team have been recognised for their outstanding work ensuring he can continue to live with dignity in his own home as per his wishes.”
Lead carer Lisa says:
“Ken has a beautiful character, he always has a smile and a cheeky comment to brighten up our days, it is always a joy to look after him and we will do whatever he needs to support him to live well”.
Blind Veterans UK’s Founder’s Awards mark the anniversary of the founding of Blind Veterans UK when Sir Arthur Pearson opened the doors to war-blinded veterans in 1915 for the very first time. They recognise the inspiring contributions of blind veterans, their family members and carers who share the same boundless spirit as the charity’s founder.
Blind Veterans UK supports thousands of blind veterans like Ken, but knows there are many thousands more who still need its support to rebuild their lives after sight loss.