A retired man from Berkshire who uses his passion for military history to raise money for Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women, has raised over £2,000.
Chris Leworthy, from Burghfield, has always had a strong interest in military history but has been able to dedicate more time to it since retiring from his job in private health care.
Chris says:
“Both my parents were in the Royal Navy and served in the Second World War. I’m not a military man myself. However, I’ve always had an interest in military history and now have the time to study in far greater depth.”
Chris has devised three separate talks which he presents to groups titled ‘The Battle of Britain 1940’, which recalls the challenges, threats and events of that summer, ‘Dambusters’, covering the famous 1943 raid, and ‘Disaster and Bravery at Dieppe’ which focusses on Operation Jubilee.
With the 80th anniversary of D-Day fast approaching, Chris has been working on a fourth talk on D-Day.
He says:
“D-Day was a highly complex operation involving all three services and thousands of civilian workers. There really was some fantastic creativity to bring it all together. It was an enormously significant day in the history of the Second World War and was conceived months before 6 June and the battle for Normandy and went on for many months after.
“I deliver the talks for free, but I ask for a voluntary charitable donation to Blind Veterans UK and every group I speak to has been very generous in its support. Up to the end of April, I’ve raised £2,465.
“It’s a really worthy charity so for me it’s a win all round. Firstly, I enjoy giving the lectures and telling these great stories. I feel that it’s important to never let history die and to keep the memory of sacrifice and bravery alive.
“Secondly, the audience has an enjoyable and interesting evening and thirdly I can raise awareness for a fantastic charity and hopefully raise a bit of money to support blind veterans who have served their country.
“My talks are always well received; groups often book me to return to give another of my talks which is fantastic.”
When Chris retired, he started volunteering at the Churchill War Rooms in London and then four years ago at the Battle of Britain Bunker in Uxbridge. Here he gives regular talks to visitors about the Battle of Britain and the pivotal role played by personnel at this historic site throughout the Second World War.
Chris is a member of the British Modern Military History Society (BMMHS) and it was through them that he discovered Blind Veterans UK and made the decision to support the charity.
The BMMHS has supported Blind Veterans UK for a number of years, donating a percentage of the proceeds of the three books in their ‘Glimpses of War’ series which include the stories of blind veterans.
Chris is based in Berkshire and also spends time in South Wales and will travel a reasonable distance to deliver talks in person or is able to deliver via Zoom.
For further details of these talks or to enquire about booking a talk email christopher.leworthy@gmail.com
If you would like to turn your own passion into a way to raise money for Blind Veterans UK contact fundraising@blindveterans.org.uk
Blind Veterans UK supports thousands of blind veterans across the country, but knows there are many thousands more who still need its support to rebuild their lives after sight loss.
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/gethelp
