Support our veterans to lay a wreath

Remembrance is a special time of year for veterans, their families and those in active service. Every November, blind veterans, staff, and volunteers come together to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.  

On Remembrance Sunday, we support our beneficiaries in making the journey to London to march past the Cenotaph but many veterans choose to mark the important occasion at events closer to home.  We provide wreaths to these veterans so they too can play an active part in Remembrance.   

We are inviting businesses, local groups and individuals to ‘Gift a Wreath’ to be laid by our blind veterans at local Remembrance events around the country this November.   

Find out more about the scheme here or read on to meet some of our veterans hoping to lay a wreath in their local area this year.

Lee

Blind veteran Lee, 49,  is hoping to lay a wreath in Plymouth this year to mark Remembrance.

Lee lost his sight suddenly in his mid-40s following a brain haemorrhage and he is now black blind which means he has no sight at all. He says:

“I went into a coma and woke in hospital a few weeks later; it wasn’t immediately obvious that I’d lost my sight as I was hallucinating and seeing all sorts of things. It was absolutely terrifying.

“When I realised what had happened, I thought my life was over. I was discharged from hospital a day before the country went into the first Covid lockdown adding to my feeling of loss and isolation.”

Lee began to receive our support later that year. He says:

“Blind Veterans UK has been amazing; the charity has given me back the skills and confidence to face up to my new life and to make the most of every day. I’ve been provided with counselling and technology. Having the charity by my side has made me feel safe.”

Clive

Blind veteran Clive, 50, hopes to lay a wreath in his home town of Market Drayton in Shropshire.

Clive served in the British Army and was blinded 24 years ago while serving. He has been supported by us since 2001. He says:

“I lay a wreath every year as a mark of respect to those who I once knew and to those who I didn’t. The sacrifice given by all Service men and women should never be forgotten. It’s so important to remember and also to educate those who don’t fully understand why wreaths are laid. 

“When laying the wreath, I think of all my friends and colleagues whom I’ve lost over the years. When I close my eyes and bow my head, I always think of my Great Uncle Richard, I wear his medals on my right side; he was special to me and we are the only members of my family to have served. 

“I am so grateful to those who make it possible for myself and my fellow blind veterans to lay a wreath.” 

A suggested donation of £200 will enable blind veterans like Lee and Clive to take an active part in Remembrance in their local community. It will also ensure blind veterans are able to continue receiving vital support to help them lead independent and fulfilling lives.  Victoria, from our Community Partnerships Team, says:

“Our Gift a Wreath campaign is a lovely opportunity for local businesses, community groups and individuals to show their support for service personnel past and present who have sacrificed, and continue to sacrifice, so much for our country.

“Those who gift a wreath will have their name added to the wreath and the option to add a message of Remembrance to the ‘Gift a Wreath’ page on the Blind Veterans UK website.”