A community that feels like family

When blind veteran Nadine turned 100, she never imagined she’d soon be spending an afternoon dancing with a handsome man, but that’s exactly what happened at her birthday party earlier this year.

The Weymouth community support team transformed their regular social gathering into a surprise celebration, planned over many months and kept secret by friends, family and our staff.

Blind veterans and their families enjoyed a cream tea at the Weymouth Pavilion, along with cake and music. Nadine delighted in every moment, especially dancing with fellow blind veteran Jerry, 61, who arrived suited and booted for the occasion. The pair took to the dance floor, spinning to Elvis’s classics. Watch the lovely moment Nadine and Jerry took to the dance floor.

Building friendships after sight loss

Nadine enlisted in the Women’s Royal Army Corps in 1946, serving as a Steward in the Officers’ Mess until her discharge in 1948 to marry. More recently, she was diagnosed with glaucoma in both eyes and wet macular degeneration in her left eye. Although she joined the charity less than two years ago, she’s already built strong friendships with people who wanted to make her milestone birthday truly special.

Nadine’s daughter, Sally, thanked the team for the celebration and shared how much the support and assistive equipment have meant to her mum.

What touched Sally most was hearing Nadine say she now thinks of the Weymouth group as family.

Across the country, our community groups meet regularly thanks to your support. These gatherings mean so much to blind veterans, who often form close bonds with others who truly understand their experiences. They offer a strong sense of belonging, something many miss after leaving the Forces, and are a powerful way to reduce isolation. As Weymouth group co-ordinator Nikki says, “It’s truly wonderful to watch.”

Thanks to the kindness of our supporters, groups like Nadine’s can continue bringing blind veterans together for friendship, connection and support.

We hope Nadine and the Weymouth group continue to enjoy many more happy gatherings. We’re certain they will.