Simon's story

Member Simon Brown

33-year-old Simon Brown from Morley, West Yorkshire joined us after being blinded by sniper fire in Iraq.

Simon was a corporal in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers attached to 2 Lancs in Iraq when he sustained facial injuries during a rescue mission in Basra. Simon lost his left eye and has only ten per cent peripheral vision in his right.

On the day of his injury, Simon had successfully rescued six of his colleagues whose vehicle had broken down. As he was withdrawing from the area, he was hit by sniper fire. A bullet entered his left cheek and exited through his right cheek, shattering both cheekbones, destroying his left eye and severely damaging his right eye.

Simon's colleagues rushed him to emergency treatment at nearby Basra Palace, where he was given a lifesaving tracheotomy to let him breathe. Then he was airlifted by helicopter to the base hospital where he had the first of many operations to rebuild his face. A day later he was transferred back home for further treatment and rehabilitation at the UK's Selly Oak hospital. His cheekbones and nose were reconstructed using titanium, his jaw broken and remoulded and a prosthetic eye fitted.

How we've helped

Now - just six years later - Simon is living independently in his hometown of Morley, West Yorkshire. This is largely due to practical and emotional support from Blind Veterans UK.

When Simon first joined us, he visited our Sheffield centre for training where we gave him a great deal of practical support. This included a rehabilitation programme to help him adjust to sight loss and go on to live independently.
As well as practical support we also gave Simon emotional care through regular contact with a dedicated welfare officer. He explains how he draws inspiration and motivation from other members:

As well as all the invaluable and practical support offered by Blind Veterans UK, it was the sense of belonging and understanding from their community that's really helped me to stay positive. I'm a member of the younger Blind Veterans Group; we meet up to discuss new ideas and initiatives, share a joke and keep each other smiling.

What's next for Simon?

After taking various rehabilitation courses through Blind Veterans UK, Simon has an IT qualification and has studied teaching at college. Now, six years on, he's living his life to the full and works for Blind Veterans UK as a Membership Officer. He's also a volunteer presenter in Schools, speaking to primary school children around the country. As a testament to his growing confidence, Simon was recognised for his contribution to charity with a General Officer Commanding Commendation.

Simon Brown, Blind Veterans UK member How we support blind veterans like Simon

33-year-old Simon Brown from Morley, West Yorkshire joined us after being blinded by sniper fire in Iraq. Simon was a corporal in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers attached to 2 Lancs in Iraq when he sustained facial injuries during a rescue mission in Basra. Simon lost his left eye and has only ten per cent peripheral vision in his right.