Lifelong Support Appeal
Their blindness will last a lifetime. So should their support.
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Mark could never have predicted what life had in store for him.
After 14 years with what became the Royal Logistics Corps - including three operational tours of Northern Ireland - Mark left the Army excited about his future. But then tragedy struck. He lost his sight to bilateral optic neuritis, caused by multiple sclerosis.
Completely devastated, Mark mustered the courage to work hard with our team to rebuild his life - with incredible results. In fact, his rehabilitation was so successful that he was able to get back to work, pleased to be providing for his family once more, and even went on to represent the United Kingdom at the Invictus Games.
But then Mark received the most shocking news
His beloved son Sam died, aged just 14.
Then his wife Anita was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Mark's life was shattered, all his hard work undone in an instant. How could he ever come back from this?
Fortunately, our rehabilitation team has been with him every step of the way, as has his dedicated Blind Veterans UK Community Support Worker. It's taken time, but eventually Mark's ski instructor suggested he try skiing again. Unsure at first, he tentatively agreed.
Once back on the slopes, Mark started to feel stronger. Sport was the medicine he desperately needed and, before long, he was also swimming again. His talent shone through and he was picked for the 2025 Invictus Games - and won an astonishing three medals.
Mark's life will never be the same again but, still just 58, he has courageously fought back from unimaginable heartbreak twice - and won. We could not be more proud.
No sight loss journey is predictable, but one thing is certain - blindness is for life. Our lifelong support means we're always here for our veterans, no matter what happens.
"It felt like a gift from heaven, having the support come along and pick me up and guide me."
Blind veteran
Blind veterans like Lee need support for life
You can help give our veterans a better future.
Lee's life was turned upside down when a brain haemorrhage left him blind. For six long months, he didn’t leave his home, trapped by fear and uncertainty.
Then everything changed when he found Blind Veterans UK. With our support, he's been able to rebuild his confidence to such an extent that he's recently completed a swimming fundraising challenge to thank us.
Lee, 50, is well aware that his sight loss journey is far from over. He's going to need support for the decades to come. And, as his life evolves so will his needs.
But after those days of being stuck indoors for so long, Lee now looks forward with hope. He knows that, with the right expert assistance and life-changing equipment, it's possible for him to have a future full of possibility.
They need support for life. Because blindness lasts a lifetime.
Any amount you can donate today will support blind veterans as they navigate the challenges of their sight loss journey.
A regular monthly gift will help make sure veterans like Mark and Lee get the lifelong support they need.
Please give blind veterans the lifelong support they deserve.
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