The story of Simon Brown
We are delighted to announce that blind veteran Simon has been nominated for Soldiering On Through Life Trust's Sunday Express People’s Choice Award.
Nearly 10 years ago, on 6 December 2006, Simon Brown had just successfully led a mission in Iraq to rescue six stranded colleagues when his life changed forever. Simon was shot in the face by a sniper and had to be put into an induced coma, after initially giving himself first aid.
Seventeen days later, then 28-year-old Simon woke up in a Birmingham hospital and was told that his left eye was destroyed and there was little hope for sight in his right eye. For many people, this would be the beginning of the end. But for Simon it was the start of something truly inspiring.
Since his injury, Simon has dedicated himself to working with charitable and voluntary organisations and using his experience to motivate others. This includes him working as our Communications and Engagement Officer.
"Iraq changed me just as much mentally as it did physically, and ten years on the scars are still there. Blind Veterans UK helped me through the very worst times and for that I am very grateful. Spreading the word about the work of the charity as much as I can is my way of saying thank you for everything they have given me."
- Simon
"Simon truly is a man who has soldiered on despite great adversity. He is someone who everyone at Blind Veterans UK admires and enjoys working with. We all feel privileged that he now stands next to us as one of our colleagues and does such incredible work reaching out to the veterans we do or could support. He would be a worthy winner of Soldiering On's People Choice award."
- Lara King, Group Manager, No One Alone campaign
You can read more on Simon's story here, or watch his video below.