Episode 3: Billy Baxter

A close-up of blind veteran Billy, looking across the room

About Billy

Billy served as a staff sergeant in the Royal Artillery. He lost his sight in 1997 as a result of contracting a virus whilst on service in Bosnia. He joined us in 2000 and has subsequently gone on to numerous achievements including breaking the world record for fastest blind motorcyclist and becoming town crier of Llandudno.

Billy currently works as a Rehabilitation and Training Officer at our centre in Llandudno and in this interview he talks about this role as well as the history of the charity, his experiences joining us and also our Victory Over Blindness sculpture, a version of which is based at the centre.

Blind veteran Billy wearing dark sunglasses and using a long white cane as he walks along a path
Blind veteran Billy
Blind veteran Billy wearing motorbike gear and riding his motorbike along a road
Blind veteran Billy riding his motorbike
Blind veteran Billy, cheering in celebration while wearing motorcycle gear and holding a bottle of champagne as he leans in to kiss his wife
Blind veteran Billy and his wife

Episodes

Unseen Stories podcast

Unseen Stories is our podcast about personal experiences of the military, loss of sight and adjustment to life.

Four blind veterans accompanied by two nurses going for a walk at Church Stretton during World War II

Episode 1: Barbara Bell

Barbara speaks to us about her early life, her time in the war and how she lost her sight.

An archive photograph of a young blind veteran Barbara sitting on an armchair and sewing

Episode 2: Fred Bentley

Fred talks about his wartime experiences, his career after service, his late wife and his time with our charity.

Blind veteran Fred, left, wearing a poppy at a Remembrance event

Episode 4: Jim Hooper

Jim gives an account of his time in the Second World War and talks about battling sight loss.

A close-up of blind veteran Jim, wearing a maroon beret with a suit and tie

Episode 5: Ron Cross

Ron opens up about his time serving during the D-Day landings and remembers those who were lost in the war.

A photo of Ron Cross a blind veteran

Episode 6: Elizabeth Diacon

Elizabeth tells us about her wartime experiences, her time working at Bletchley Park and her life after the war.

Blind veteran Elizabeth smiling