Pathfinder International Magazine – the leading UK Military Resettlement Magazine

Tag: Blind Veterans UK

  • Blind Veteran Set To Light Up Christmas

    Blind Veteran Set To Light Up Christmas

    A blind veteran from Colchester is set to switch on the Christmas lights at the city’s Lion Walk Shopping Centre and says he is ‘honoured’ to have been given the privilege…

    93-year-old Second World War veteran, Lionel Chivers, will be turning on the lights on Wednesday November 27th at the shopping centre’s action-packed Christmas extravaganza. The evening will see performances from a variety of acts including Soul’d Out, Olaf & Elsa from Frozen, as well as a special performance from Blind Veterans UK’s very own choir, Vision in Song.

    Lionel says: “Never in a million years did I imagine I would be turning on the Christmas lights but it’s a real honour and I’m looking forward to it greatly.”

    Lionel served as a Radio Technician for the Royal Signals in Nigeria and Cameroon during the Second World War, where he was tasked with keeping radio equipment in good order. It was later in life at the age of 87 that Macular Degeneration stole Lionel’s sight and he was registered blind. Luckily, Lionel found out about Blind Veterans UK, who have been supporting him since his diagnosis.

    He says: “Blind Veterans UK have enriched my life in an amazing way. On top of the adaptations which have meant I can live independently, I am a founding member of the choir, Vision in Song. Being part of the choir has given me something to live for and as a result I’m looking forward to many more years and even hopefully hitting my 100.”

    The evening kicks off at 5pm and the Blind Veterans choir will be performing at 5:55pm. The lights switch on will take place at 7pm and be followed by fireworks.

  • Arts, Crafts And Veterans

    Arts, Crafts And Veterans

    On Saturday 16th November military charity Blind Veterans UK will open the doors of their rehabilitation and training centre in Ovingdean, Brighton, for their annual Christmas Fair…

    On offer for those looking to bag something unique for a loved one’s Christmas gift, the Blind Veterans UK Art and Craft department will be selling items created by the veterans themselves. These beautiful handcrafted items include woodwork toys and mosaic decorative gifts.

    There will also be a fantastic selection of local makers and craft companies that will set up their stalls from 1pm to 4pm, during which time there will also be seasonal food and drink available for purchase.

    Blind Veterans UK’s Fundraising Manager for the local Sussex and Kent area Jacqui Venters says: “Our Christmas Fair is always a fantastic opportunity to stock up on seasonal gifts and really get into the festive spirit. It’s also a brilliant way to show your support for our blind veterans whilst enjoying some feel-good retail therapy!”

    To find out more about the event please get in touch with Fundraising Assistant Stacey Jones on stacey.jones@blindveterans.org.uk 01273 391435. Entry is free, and there is plenty of free parking on site.

    Location: Blind Veterans UK Centre, Greenways, Ovingdean, Brighton, BN2 7BS
    Date: Saturday 16 November 2019, 1pm – 4pm
    Entry Fee: Free
    Website: blindveterans.org.uk/christmasfair

  • Veteran To March For Charity That Saved Him

    Veteran To March For Charity That Saved Him

    A blind veteran from Oxfordshire is set to march at the Cenotaph in London this Remembrance Sunday with the charity Blind Veterans UK…

    Ken Cook, 95 and from Wattlington will be marching at the Cenotaph as part of the national Remembrance Sunday commemorations with more than 100 other blind veterans supported by Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women.

    Ken joined the Royal Navy in 1942 and completed his boys training in Ipswich. Upon becoming 18 he joined a convoy of Motor Gun Boats and started anti-submarine patrols and mine sweeping in the Mediterranean. He took part in various missions during the Second World War including the invasion of Anzio in 1944. Despite being attacked by aircraft on countless occasions, Ken made it out of the war unscathed and left the Navy in 1946.

    Ken lost his sight much later in life due to macular degeneration, a leading cause of sight loss in older people. Fortunately, he found out about Blind Veterans UK and started receiving support from the charity in 2016. He says: “I don’t think I could have existed these last few years without the support of Blind Veterans UK, they saved me. It’s the things that allow you to keep your independence that make the biggest difference.

    “I’ve been given a special reader that blows up documents to a huge size. That means I can still read my letters. The best thing that’s happened though is the lovely home visitor volunteer that Blind Veterans UK set me up with. Sue visits me every week and it is always the highlight of my week. She helps me with various bits and bobs and it’s great just to have a cup of tea and a chat.”

    Ken recently joined fellow blind veterans on a tour of the battlefields in Normandy. He says: “It was hugely moving to be over there. We held a small service at every beach to remember those who died there and I was asked to read out the famous “they shall not grow old” poem.”

    Ken will be marching with 100 other blind veterans at the Cenotaph this Remembrance Sunday. He says: “It was my first time marching last year and I’m so excited to be going back. I enjoyed every minute. The crowds make you feel very important and it does leave you feeling very proud. It is emotional. I will especially be remembering my father, who served as a Staff Sergeant Farrier in France during the First World War.”

    Blind Veterans UK was founded more than 100 years ago to support those blinded in the First World War. Now, the charity supports veterans regardless of when they served or how they lost their sight.

    Chief Executive of Blind Veterans UK, Major General (Rtd) Nick Caplin CB says: “Ken will rightly be proud to march with our blind veterans this Remembrance Sunday. This is the time of year when we reflect on the sacrifice and service of all our members of the Armed Forces and their families. I would encourage anyone who thinks they know someone who could be entitled to our support to get in touch today.”

  • Blind Veterans – Rehabilitation Through Art

    Blind Veterans – Rehabilitation Through Art

    Blind Veterans UK have celebrated the opening of their annual exhibition of artwork by blind veterans, staff and volunteers on the theme of ‘transport’…

    Louise Kirk-Partridge, Rehab Lead in the Art & Craft Department at Blind Veterans UK ssid: “We’re absolutely delighted to be opening this year’s Art Exhibition. We’ve been accepting entries for the past few months from our blind veterans, as well as the charity’s staff and volunteers and we can’t wait to share the results of their work.”

    The unique pieces of artwork are now ready to view at the charity’s Brighton rehabilitation and training centre or via this link and available to bid upon by online auction until noon on Friday 1st November, 2019.

    Since it first started its work in 1915 with soldiers returning from WW1, the role of arts and crafts has been integral rehabilitation. From skills such as basket-making, woodturning and frame-making in the charity’s early days, to today’s activities of painting, photography, sculpture and mosaic, blind veterans are able to build their sense of independence and develop their creativity.

    While once the focus of such training was primarily on the vocational aspects of these skills, blind veterans are now supported in the Blind Veterans UK specialist Art & Craft Workshop to explore the recreational benefits of the arts.

    Whether it’s helping to rediscover a skill someone thinks that they may have lost, or encouraging veterans to try something they’ve never tried before, confidence gained in the workshop often helps to overcome many of the barriers and challenges of sight loss.

    Louise Kirk-Partridge added: “Having the chance to pursue the creative arts is fantastic way for our veterans to regain confidence after sight loss. This exhibition is a real opportunity to showcase that there really is no barrier for its enjoyment, while also raising much-needed funds for the charity.”

  • Running In A Blind Veteran’s Shoes

    Running In A Blind Veteran’s Shoes

    A man from Colchester will go blindfolded for 48 hours next weekend, taking on the usual challenges of living with sight loss but also going one step further and tackling a 5K park run, 30 minute lane swim and a climbing session…

    Nephi Attree, a 29 year old Exercise Rehabilitation Instructor with the Royal Army Physical Training Corps, will be taking on the challenge on October 26th and 27th. As well as facing the home-based challenges like making a cup of tea, opening post and cooking, Nephi will be taking on the Castle Park 5K, a 30 minute lane swim at the Colchester Garrison and a climbing session at Leisure World Tiptree.

    Serving soldier Nephi is raising funds and building awareness for Blind Veterans UK, the charity which rebuilds veterans’ lives after sight loss through rehabilitation, training and equipment. He’s fundraising through his Just Giving page and will also be doing street collections in Colchester on October 26th and 27th. He’s 25% of the way to his £350 goal.

    This is Nephi’s first time fundraising for a charity and he decided he wanted to do something a bit different. He says: “I’ve been wanting to fundraise for a while but was never quite sure who to support or what to do. But when I found out about Blind Veterans UK and the way that they literally transform lives, it was an easy decision to support them. A 48 hour blindfold challenge seemed like an appropriate one.”

    He continues: “I’ve seen the support they offer veterans my age who have been wounded in combat as well as more elderly veterans who have been struck down by Macular Degeneration and the cause really stuck with me. The size of the task ahead is slowly dawning on me but I’m interested to see how I adjust and gain a new perspective on the challenges that the vision-impaired experience on a daily basis.

    “If anyone wants to come and cheer me on at the Castle Park 5k on October 26th, it would be much appreciated. Alternatively, if you’d like to contribute to my Just Giving and support the work done by Blind Veterans UK, please visit my page.”

  • Birthday Brew Up In Brighton

    Birthday Brew Up In Brighton

    The military charity Blind Veterans UK opened the doors of its iconic Llandudno Centre to members of the general public last weekend for a Birthday Brew Up…

    To mark the 8th successful year that the centre has been open, Blind Veterans UK offered the unique opportunity for the public to discover for themselves the difference that they have been making.

    Attendees had the chance to explore a Rehabilitation Officer Visual Impairment room filled with Visual Impairment assistance equipment. They also learned how to send an email using state of the art voice over software in the IT Training Room, as well as tryiing their hands at basic everyday tasks under blindfold. Members of the Llandudno & Colwyn Bay Marksmen Club were also on hand for those wishing to try Visual Impairment rifle shooting.

    With free admission on the day for all and welcomed donations to support the work, the public were able to speak with team members and blind veterans from the local area to discover more about the exciting activities on offer and how sight loss should not be a barrier to any activity – from water sports to driving, arts and crafts to archery!

    Speaking about the event, Victoria Beech, Community and Events Fundraising Manager Wales, said: “Over the last 8 years we have grown to feel part of the local community and love an opportunity to open our doors and invite our neighbours and supporters to come and see how vital the work we do is in terms of changing veteran’s lives.

    “At the end of the day without the support of our community – whether in the form of donations or the provision of activities for our veterans – we are unable to provide the support, rehabilitation, experiences and equipment we do that enables our veterans to lead independent and fulfilling lives.”

  • Blind Veterans In Virtual Reality Trial

    Blind Veterans In Virtual Reality Trial

    National military charity Blind Veterans UK are holding an open demonstration of how recent developments in virtual reality technology can be beneficial to those living with vision loss…

    The event is made possible by the proprietors and patrons of the Coach House in Rottingdean, who raised over £1500 in funds towards the purchase of the equipment which will be featured in the demonstration and will play host to the event on Thursday 12th September.

    Local blind veterans will be taking part in a VR experience following an introductory talk from the Blind Veterans UK Technology team. This will include a briefing on what has been achieved so far within the charity and how the newly-purchased equipment will be used to the benefit of blind veterans.

    Central to the demonstration will be two Oculus Quest headsets. Leon Groombridge, of the Blind Veterans UK Technology team says: “At Blind Veterans UK we are always looking to incorporate the latest technology into our repertoire. One of the most exciting developments in recent times is exploring the potential uses of VR.

    “Perhaps surprisingly, those with some residual vision tend to report that the VR headsets we use offer far better visual clarity than real-life. This could be due to many factors, but at this stage it’s difficult to provide a definitive answer. Not all of our blind veterans will have positive experience with VR headsets, but we have found that more often than not they are amazed by how much they can see.”

    Some of this improved visual clarity can be explained by the proximity of the headset to the eyes as well as the brightness of the light. Colours will often appear more saturated and with increased levels of colour contrast. For those that are visually impaired this can mean that images are more distinct and objects are easier to locate.

    Hayley Kember, of the Coach House Rottingdean, says of their relationship with the charity: “We have long been supporters of our local Blind Veteran Centre in Ovingdean – the facilities and support they provide for both their members and their members’ families is fantastic.

    “As we have grown close to both staff and members we wanted everyone to benefit from the money we had raised. We have heard lots of great things about the new VR equipment and are very keen to see it in action. The equipment demo will also give us an opportunity to involve our local community and show them how best the money they have helped to raise has been put to use”

    Kevin Alderton, blind veteran and Working Age Members Liaison Officer for Blind Veterans UK, says: “We are very excited to be able to use these funds to further our capability to bring this cutting-edge technology to our veterans. It’s amazing to see the reactions it brings to the faces of those who have experienced sight loss and are able to enjoy the benefits of VR equipment.”

  • Blind Veteran To Abseil The London Tower

    Blind Veteran To Abseil The London Tower

    A blind veteran from Fife is taking on London’s Broadgate Tower abseil in order to raise funds for Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women…

    Garry Cowan, 38, and originally from County Antrim in Northern Ireland, will be taking part in the challenge on Saturday 14th September. He says: “Blind Veterans UK have done a lot for me and have got me back into the world. It is so important that we raise awareness for this great charity.”

    Garry served in the RAF from 2000 until 2009 and lost his sight in June 2015 when he contracted chicken pox. Despite having no vision at all in both eyes, he has been climbing with the charity for two years and has competed internationally. He says: “I was ranked 1st in Scotland and 2nd place in the United Kingdom for the Climb Scotland event and the BMC nationals at the end of last year.”

    This is not the first time that Garry has attempted such an adrenaline fuelled challenge for charity, as he has already abseiled the Forth Bridge. Garry says: “I did it in the fastest time that anyone had done the abseil. Those who were watching couldn’t believe it was someone who was blind that had come down so fast!”

    Although most would consider the Broadgate Tower abseil to be nerve-wracking, Garry only feels excited to complete it. He explains: “I really can’t wait for it and I’m not nervous in the slightest. I am hoping to be down the tower in 40 seconds but it all depends on the winds.”

    Garry encourages others to push themselves and brave a similar challenge. He says: “The freedom of it is just mind-blowing. You need to live life rather than just sitting around – you never know what is around the corner. Life is for living. My aim is to raise money to help people in a similar situation to me, as well as encourage others to challenge themselves and try new things.”

    You can support Garry and help him reach his target at his fundraising page.

  • Grandson To Tackle Great North Run

    Grandson To Tackle Great North Run

    A man from Sunderland is preparing to tackle the Great North Run in order to raise money for Blind Veterans UK, the sight loss charity who have been supporting his grandad for the past three years…

    Craig Smith, 31 from Houghton le Spring, will be completing the iconic 13.1 mile route around South Shields in September. Craig said: “I wanted to give something back for everything the charity has done for my grandad”.

    Craig’s grandfather, Kenneth who is 92, served in the Royal Navy as Stoker until he was discharged in 1948. Craig commented: “My grandad is an old fashioned gentleman and when I was growing up he would always take me and my friends to the metro centre or to watch the football. It’s amazing to see the support he is being given because he truly deserves it.

    “They have provided him with equipment to make his life easier – for example a talking watch so he can tell the time and a white cane which is all free of charge. He recently lost his driving license so they pick him and my gran up from their house and take him to their training and rehabilitation centre in Llandudno for holidays”.

    Craig completed the Great North Run for the first time last year but he still feels slightly nervous ahead of the big day. He said: “Even though I have run the route before, I still feel nervous but very excited. Once you are there, the adrenaline is absolutely amazing – there’s nothing like it. It doesn’t matter how fit you are or how fast you are because the atmosphere keeps you going.”

    Craig does not have a specific finishing time in mind as he will be running alongside his partner: “This will be my partner’s first half marathon so we will run together and hopefully raises a lot of money for charity!”

  • Blind Veteran Wins Pétanque Championship!

    Blind Veteran Wins Pétanque Championship!

    A blind veteran from Derbyshire was part of the England team who took home the trophy at the Pétanque Home Nations Championship in Cardiff this month…

    Brian Eldridge, 72 and from Chesterfield, took part in the championship alongside his wife Margaret who have both been playing the sport for 25 years. Brian said: “I am very proud to have been part of the England team and of course to have won the trophy. I only have 4% central vision but Pétanque is a very inclusive sport and anyone can play”.

    Brian joined the Royal Army Veterinary Corps in 1966, serving in Europe, the Far East and the Middle East before being discharged in 1975. When Brian lost his sight, he began receiving support from Blind Veterans UK, a national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women.

    The couple moved to Chesterfield to be closer to the charity’s training and rehabilitation centre in Llandudno. Brian added: “When we moved to the area we started up our own Pétanque club with the help of our local council. I have played in competitions all over Europe including in Denmark and Poland this year”.

    A sport like Pétanque is perfect for Brian and has allowed him to continue his love of sport after his sight loss. His wife Margaret explains: “It’s ideal for Brian to play Pétanque because unlike other sports like tennis, he can home in on a target. He also loves the camaraderie especially after being in service and of course, it’s a great way to keep fit because it involves a lot of walking”.