Historic moment for blind veteran and guide dog

Blind veteran Kelly will make a small piece of history as she leads our contingent at the Cenotaph this Remembrance Sunday alongside her guide dog, Archie.

This is the first time a blind veteran has performed this honour with their guide dog. 

Kelly, 45,  joined the Army in 1998 and served until 2005 with the Adjutant Generals Corp. She suffered a stroke at the age of 23 as a result of an auto-immune condition that causes blood clots. The stroke changed her life overnight.

Fortunately, Kelly found out about our charity and started receiving our support in 2006. She says:

“Blind Veterans UK saved my life; I owe them a great deal. They took me in after I lost my sight and have taken care of me ever since.

“I’ve met so many inspirational people, both my fellow blind veterans and staff who have shaped my life. I am so proud to be a blind veteran and I wouldn’t be who I am today if I wasn’t. My philosophy is that life is to be had as you never know what’s around the corner.”

Remembrance Sunday

Kelly will be marching with her fellow blind veterans at the Cenotaph this Remembrance Sunday. She says:

“It’s an absolute honour to march with Blind Veterans UK on behalf of those no longer here. 

“I’ve lost many friends over the years who were part of my Blind Veterans UK family or who served alongside me in the military so it means a great deal to remember them. Being part of the Blind Veterans UK contingent feels like still being a part of the British Army."

Nik Gardner, Guide Dog Partnership Operations Manager says:

“We’re incredibly proud of Kelly and her guide dog, Archie, as they take part in this year’s Remembrance Day service. Since being matched with Archie, Kelly’s confidence and independence have flourished. Seeing them lay a wreath together at the cenotaph is a moving reminder of the powerful bond between our guide dogs and the people they support.

“When Guide Dogs was founded over 90 years ago the very first blind people to benefit were veterans who had lost their sight in the First World War so there is a lovely connection between Kelly and Archie and our first guide dogs.”