A blind veteran from Nottinghamshire is set to march at the Cenotaph in London this Remembrance Sunday (8/11) with the charity Blind Veterans UK.
Rob Loseby, 57 and from Newark, 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.
Rob served in the British Army with the 9th/12th Royal Lancers for 25 years having joined at 16 straight from school. He says:
“During my service I spent time in Germany, Bosnia, Cyprus, Canada and the Middle East supporting operations and working on developing communications systems. My time in the Army was really rewarding, and I’d do it all again if I had the chance. I enjoyed the camaraderie with my fellow soldiers, but I also experienced the harsh realities of conditions in the field.”
It was after he left the Army that Rob lost his sight. He says:
“I was driving to work when I suddenly noticed by sight wasn’t right. I initially thought I was being blinded by the sun but realised I couldn’t see much out of my right eye at all.
“I was advised to visit Moorfields Eye Hospital and was told there and then that my optic nerve was dying at the back of my eye, there was no treatment available and I could lose all my sight at any time.
“It was a huge shock but actually I simply accepted the diagnosis and realised I needed to take life as it comes and move on. I do miss being able to just jump in my car, but I certainly don’t miss decorating and now have the perfect excuse not to do it!”
It was in 2023 that Rob discovered Blind Veterans UK and began to receive support from the charity. He says:
“I found out about the charity by chance during an appointment at the low vision clinic. I made a quip about my sight being like looking through the sight of a tank and the member of staff said that I was lucky as having served meant I could be supported by Blind Veterans UK.
“I got in touch and haven’t looked back, the charity has helped me to rebuild my confidence; I’ve learnt skills that have enabled me to regain my independence. Life skills such as cooking safely with sight loss and I’ve been provided with equipment such as silicon slips for the front of the oven shelves, I’ve learnt about diet to keep my eyes as healthy as possible, I’ve got back into fitness and take part in weekly spinning classes with the charity and have also been to a boot camp and I’ve received support with assistive technology which has enabled me to enrol on a history course.
“I’ve been abled and empowered to do what I want and I have the confidence to crack on and push forward with life.”
Rob will be marching with his fellow blind veterans at the Cenotaph this Remembrance Sunday.
He says:
“Remembrance is about taking the time to think about all those who sacrificed themselves, those who gave their future for our today. During the First World War, young people volunteered to join up or were called up and lost their lives. But I also think of young people who today are signing up and losing their lives.
“I think about a young soldier who I served with who dies in a car crash and a further two young soldiers from my regiment who lost their lives while on operations. But also those who have near misses but survive.
“I took part in the march at the Cenotaph with Blind Veterans UK for the first time last year and it was very moving. When we came through the arch everyone was clapping us.”
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.”
Rob’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 Rob, 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.
