Companionship that makes every week brighter
Lanie is one of our incredible Home Visitor volunteers. Every Wednesday, she visits blind veteran Olly, who served in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force during the Second World War.
At 103, Olly is one of our oldest beneficiaries. Lanie’s weekly visits bring much-needed companionship for her and have become a real highlight for them both.
Memories and milestones
Olly enjoys sharing stories from her time in service, her family life, and her lifelong love of music. They find that they never run out of things to chat about, and laughter often fills the room wherever they are.
With Lanie’s support, Olly has also been enabled to take part in social activities, enjoyed regular coffee outings, and attend music events. Lanie also helped Olly obtain her veterans badge - a proud moment which she was thrilled to share with her fellow blind veterans.
To celebrate Olly’s 103rd birthday, the pair headed to New Brighton for fish and chips by the sea - a simple, joyful outing to mark her incredible milestone.
"I visit Ollie every Wednesday providing emotional and practical support. Ollie loves to get out and about so I spoke to her about what she would like to do on her 103rd birthday, and it was decided that we would go to the seaside. We had a lovely day with a lunch of fish and chips."
The impact of companionship
As a charity supporting vision-impaired ex-Service men and women, we see how powerful these friendships can be. Just a few hours of support each week can change a veteran’s life - helping them enjoy simple moments, stay active, and feel part of their community.
More volunteer stories
Activities Helper Aileen
Aileen helps our beneficiaries take part in sports, arts and activities at our Centre of Wellbeing.
Fundraiser Kenneth
Blind veteran Kenneth was so grateful for our support that he became a volunteer to give something back.
Driver Jacque
Jacque helps isolated veterans get the interaction they need by driving them to social events.
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