From supported to supporter
The granddaughter of a late blind veteran recently contacted us to let us know she had decided to leave a gift in her Will to our charity. The story that emerged was one that shows how the ripples of kindness can spread across the generations.
Tina's grandfather, Second World War veteran Claude, was a gunner in the British Army. He left his wife, Adelaide, and one year old daughter behind in Wakefield to serve his country. When he returned home in 1945, the family hoped life would return to normal. But war had left its mark on Claude. Vibration from the guns had caused his retinas to split, leaving him with just peripheral vision.
Life became very difficult
How would he provide for the family?
Tina, his granddaughter, explains: "In 1948, someone recommended that he sought assistance from Blind Veterans UK - St Dunstan’s as they were then. Thank goodness for them." That moment changed everything. He was given equipment, as well as training, to become independent again.
Claude was introduced to other blind veterans and became part of the Blind Veterans UK family and community. His new friends showed him that there was life after sight loss and Claude regained his sense of hope.
Claude was part of this charity until he sadly died in 1975. Blind Veterans UK remained in touch with Tina’s family, supporting her grandmother, Adelaide, after Claude’s death.
The care he received from the charity made such a difference to his family that Claude’s granddaughter, Tina, wants to honour her family’s long history with Blind Veterans UK by leaving a gift in her Will.
“The care and support continued even after losing Grandad,” Tina remembers. “My mum and I decided that a gift should be left to Blind Veterans UK on behalf of the whole family. I have therefore pledged a gift in my Will to support future blind veterans.”
"It feels right that other blind veterans should benefit, just as my family did, as though things have gone full circle."
Gifts in Wills helps support five in ten of our blind veterans.
Read more
Celebration in Edinburgh honours blind veterans and volunteers
1 Oct 2025
Blind veterans, volunteers and carers from Scotland and Northern Ireland were recognised for their achievements.
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