Bringing blind veterans together at Christmas
At Blind Veterans UK, we believe no one should have to face sight loss alone. This festive season, your kindness has helped us create meaningful moments for blind veterans to come together, connect, and celebrate.
From Christmas events held in local communities to extended stays at our centre, veterans have enjoyed sharing stories, laughter and companionship, all alongside people who truly understand their sight loss journey and the unique camaraderie of our military family.
Combating isolation at Christmas
Over 30 blind veterans who would otherwise have been alone will come together to enjoy the festive period at our Rustington Centre. During their stay they will have the opportunity to enjoy a whole host of festive activities including Christmas movies, a trip to the panto, Christmas crafts, a traditional lunch with all the trimmings, and a quiz.
You can meet a selection of them below.
Meet Doug
Christmas Day is extra special for Doug as it's also his birthday. This year he will be turning 92. Doug sadly lost his wife seven years ago and would be spending Christmas and his birthday on his own if it wasn't for our charity.
He says: “It means a great deal to me to be spending Christmas at Rustington as I’ve spent my birthday alone for the past six years. If I wasn’t going to the centre, I’d be having a ready meal and treating it like any other day.
“It was just before Christmas last year that I began to receive support from Blind Veterans UK and this will be my third visit to stay with them. It’s excellent there; the staff and the food are second to none and I’m looking forward to being around people for Christmas.”
Meet Jim
Jim joined the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in 1962 and spent a total of 12 years in the Army, including a secondment to the Gurka Rifles in the Borneo jungles during the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation.
It was later in life that he was diagnosed with macular degeneration and his sight has been in gradual decline ever since. He says: “I can just about get about. My central vision is really bad but I have a little bit of peripheral vision left.
“I’m looking forward to getting down there. I’ve been a couple of times and the staff are just wonderful and really look after us. Absolute angels. Nothing is too much for them.”
Meet Ron
Ron joined the Royal Navy in 1963 and served for ten years as a marine engineer, serving in East Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong, Gibraltar, Malta, Florida and the UK. Like Jim, he lost his sight later in life due to macular degeneration.
He says: “The deterioration of my sight was a shock, even though it was gradual. I found giving up the car was very difficult but the biggest challenge for me personally was asking for help, as it’s really not in my nature. But I’ve learned to get on with it.
“I really appreciate the time spent with Blind Veterans UK and at Christmas especially, the camaraderie, food and overall ambience created is something I am really looking forward to. This will be my third stay at Rustington, it really is an excellent place.”
Turkey & Tinsel
Rustington has been full of festive spirit throughout December. During our Turkey and Tinsel Weeks, veterans took part in activities ranging from decoration‑making and reindeer racing to seasonal quizzes.
Volunteers from our corporate partner, Sopra Steria, helped transform the centre with Christmas decorations, including an impressive 11 Christmas trees. The local community joined in too with visits from a community choir, a Brownies unit, and local ukelele group. A moving carol service at the Parish Church of St Peter & St Paul then brought veterans and staff together to mark the season.
“Christmas can be a difficult time for those who might otherwise be on their own, so it means a great deal to welcome our veterans here at Rustington. Our centre becomes a home away from home, full of festive cheer, companionship, and a chance to indulge a little. Most importantly, it’s about being surrounded by people who understand and share the same experiences, so no one feels alone at this special time of year.”
Rustington Centre Manager
Get togethers across the UK
Across the UK, we’ve hosted countless festive get‑togethers, creating opportunities for blind veterans to connect, share stories, and celebrate the season.
Veterans gather for festive get togethers around the country
Blindness can too often lead to isolation. But with your help, blind veterans can enjoy a happy Christmas together with people who care about them.
More news
A special Christmas catch-up
18 Dec 2025
Portrait of Second World War veteran
18 Dec 2025
Gift a Wreath 2025
13 Nov 2025
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