A blind veteran from Hampshire is set to march at the Cenotaph in London this Remembrance Sunday (8/11) with the charity Blind Veterans UK.
Andy Leitch, 52 and from Aldershot, will be marching at the Cenotaph as part of the national Remembrance Sunday commemorations with over 40 other blind veterans supported by Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women.
Andy joined the Army in 1992 and spent 19 years with the Royal Logistics Corps. At 37, he only had two years left to serve and had begun to plan for his future outside of the Army but was forced to retire early when retinitis pigmentosa caused a gradual decline in his sight.
Andy began to receive support from Blind Veterans UK in 2011. He says:
“Back in 2011, I was really struggling. I felt utterly rejected, weighed down by depression, and was fighting some serious personal battles. Thankfully the unwavering support I received from the charity and, most importantly, my family, helped me through those dark times.
“With their encouragement, I found my feet again and slowly rebuilt my confidence, rediscovering myself, not just as Andy but as a devoted family man eager to face whatever came next.
“To me, Blind Veterans UK, isn’t just a charity, it’s a lifeline. It’s changed my life and I know it’s done the same for many others.”
Andy’s rehabilitation has been aided along the way with sport and fitness. This year he ran his 11th London Marathon in support of Blind Veterans UK, completed the 100km distance of the South Coast Ultra and is almost at the end of his own challenge to walk 200 miles a month throughout 2026.
“My mental health was challenged again last year when my personal situation changed, memories returned of the tough times I faced in 2011, but I was determined not to lose myself. I threw myself into training for the 2026 London Marathon but I was concerned about what I’d do when the marathon was over.
“The 200-mile a month challenge was born; the routine and physical and mental impact of getting out on training walks and runs is clear to me. It keeps me focused and boosts my self-worth and confidence.”
Andy will be marching with his fellow blind veterans at the Cenotaph this Remembrance Sunday. He says:
“It’s an honour to represent the charity for Remembrance and to be among other veterans and serving military on an occasion that is so important to the Armed Services community.
“For me it’s about remembering those who have gone before and those left behind. It’s poignant to think of what we are starting to lose; there are not many left now from the generation of brave men and women who served during the Second World War, my thoughts will be with them as I march.”
Chief Executive of Blind Veterans UK, Adrian Bell, says:
“Every November, we honour those who served our country, remembering their sense of duty, sacrifice and service. This Remembrance Sunday, I am proud to march alongside our blind veterans as we remember those who gave their lives in service to our country and reflect on the contribution of all who have served.
“This year also marks a number of significant anniversaries, including 35 years since the end of Operation Desert Storm, the liberation of Kuwait by Coalition Forces, and 15 years since the end of Operation Telic, UK military operations in Iraq. These milestones remind us of the enduring impact of military service and the importance of ensuring veterans receive the support they need long after their service has ended.”
Andy’s story forms part of Blind Veterans UK’s 2026 Remembrance campaign, ‘When blind veterans can’t march alone, we march with them.’
For many ex-Service men and women living with sight loss, taking part in acts of Remembrance remains deeply important. Yet losing one’s sight can bring significant challenges to independence, mobility and confidence. Blind Veterans UK stands with them throughout their journey, supporting them to take part in Remembrance and rebuilding their lives after sight loss through rehabilitation, training, equipment and emotional support.
Blind Veterans UK supports thousands of blind veterans like Andy, but knows there are many thousands more who could benefit from its support.
If you, or someone you know, served in the Armed Forces, including National Service, and are now struggling with sight loss, then please get in touch. Call 0800 389 7979 or visit blindveterans.org.uk/apply.
