A blind veteran from Portsmouth, who turns 92 on Christmas Day, will be surrounded by more than 30 other vision-impaired ex-Service men and women at Blind Veterans UK’s rehabilitation centre in Rustington for the Christmas period and his birthday.
Doug Kimber lost his wife seven years ago and would be spending Christmas and his birthday on his own if it was not for Blind Veterans UK.
He says:
“It means a great deal to me to be spending Christmas at Rustington as I’ve spent my birthday alone for the past six years. If I wasn’t going to the centre, I’d be having a ready meal and treating it like any other day.
“It was just before Christmas last year that I began to receive support from Blind Veterans UK and this will be my third visit to stay with them. It’s excellent there; the staff and the food are second to none and I’m looking forward to being around people for Christmas.”
Doug will enjoy the festive period alongside over 30 other blind veterans at the charity’s centre in Rustington. During their stay the veterans will have the opportunity to enjoy a whole host of festive activities including Christmas movies, a trip to the panto, Christmas crafts, a traditional lunch with all the trimmings, and a quiz.
Doug completed National Service with the Royal Army Medical Corps as a theatre technician serving between 1952 and 1954.
Around ten years ago Doug noticed he was losing his sight and three years ago he was diagnosed with macular degeneration.
Doug says:
“There was nothing that could be done and my sight has been steadily deteriorating since. It’s one of those things that I have to accept with old age and I just try and get on with it.”
Fortunately, Doug found out about Blind Veterans UK and started receiving support from the charity a year ago.
He says:
“The charity has been marvellous and has made a big difference to my life. I have a magnifier so I can continue to read my own post and letters and a talking watch. Their support has meant I can continue to live independently, and I always have someone on the end of the phone to speak with.”
Blind Veterans UK’s Rustington Centre Manager, Kellie Darcy-Pattenden, says: “Christmas can be a difficult time for those who might otherwise be on their own, so it means a great deal to welcome our veterans here at Rustington. Our centre becomes a home away from home, full of festive cheer, companionship, and a chance to indulge a little. Most importantly, it’s about being surrounded by people who understand and share the same experiences, so no one feels alone at this special time of year.”
Blind Veterans UK supports thousands of blind veterans like Doug, 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/apply
