Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women, is inviting businesses and local groups to ‘Gift a Wreath’ to be laid by blind veterans at local Remembrance events around the country this November.
Remembrance is a special time of year for veterans, their families and those in active service. Every November, blind veterans, staff, and volunteers come together to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
On Remembrance Sunday, Blind Veterans UK supports its beneficiaries in making the journey to London to march past the Cenotaph but many veterans choose to mark the important occasion at events closer to home.
Blind Veterans UK provides wreaths to these veterans so they too can play an active part in Remembrance.
Last year the charity invited local organisations to ‘Gift a Wreath’ to be laid by blind veterans and is once again calling out to supporters to take part in the campaign.
A suggested donation of £200 will enable a blind veteran to represent Blind Veterans UK while taking part in Remembrance in their local community. It will also ensure their veterans are able to continue receiving vital support to help them lead independent and fulfilling lives.
Blind veteran Jim Dunn, who is 82 and from Rustington, served in the Army for 37 years. Last year he laid a wreath at the Rustington War Memorial in West Sussex that had been funded by the ‘Gift a Wreath’ campaign and hopes to lay one again this November.
He said:
“It’s very important for me to pay my respects as so many people through the ages have lost their lives in a bid to defend our freedom.
“I was incredibly proud to lay a wreath on behalf of my fellow blind veterans and on behalf of the charity who have done so much for me.”
Noeline Charlesworth, who is 71 and from Caerphilly in Mid Glamorgan, laid a wreath last year at the Ynysangharad War Memorial Park in Pontypridd, South Wales. Noeline is hoping to lay a wreath again this year.
She said:
“It meant the world to me to lay a wreath for Remembrance, representing all the blind veterans who have gone before me and those who are supported by the charity now. I felt truly humbled by the experience and want to say a great big thank you ‘diolch yn fawr’ to those sponsors who made it possible for veterans like me to do this; I hope they know how appreciated they are.”
Organisations that gift a wreath will have their name and logo added to the wreath and a tribute message will be added to the ‘Gift a Wreath’ page on the Blind Veterans UK website.
To find out more, or to sign up to the ‘Gift a Wreath’ campaign visit: blindveterans.org.uk/wreath
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/support
