Shropshire blind Veteran, Clive Jones, has been appointed a Member of the British Empire in the King’s New Year Honours list for services to Blind Veterans UK.
Clive, 51, and from Market Drayton, served in the British Army and has become a role model for injured veterans since losing his sight in 2000. He has overcome significant personal challenges to rebuild his life and has dedicated himself to helping others.
He has himself been supported by Blind Veterans UK for 25 years and he supports other blinded veterans by providing them with crucial mentorship and support to help them adjust to sight loss. Clive has also raised over £116,000 for various charities including Blind Veterans UK and has contributed to his community through initiatives like installing a defibrillator and making lanyards for the NHS.
Clive’s dedication has been recognised with numerous accolades, including being a finalist for the Pride of Britain awards, receiving two certificates of commendation from the Duke of Kent, and being made an Honorary Townsman of Market Drayton.
In blind archery, Clive has achieved significant success. He is the British Blind Sport indoor and outdoor national champion, IBSA world silver medallist, and ranked number 4 in Europe and the world. He uses his sporting platform to help others and is the Chairman of the Blind Veterans UK Bowmen, encouraging other blind veterans to give the sport and try and showing through example what is possible with sight loss.
Adrian Bell, Chief Executive of Blind Veterans UK, says:
“Clive represents the very best of Blind Veterans UK. The support he provides to his fellow blind veterans, his dedication to archery and his passion for the charity embody everything we stand for. We are immensely proud of him, and this honour is a truly fitting recognition of the profound difference he has made to so many lives.”
Clive says:
“Being appointed an MBE for my services to Blind Veterans UK means the world to me; I was, and still am, in shock when I found out.
“When I fundraise, organise events, and raise awareness of the charity, I don’t do it for accolades or awards, but this is an absolute honour. I accept this award on behalf of all the blind veterans who do so much to raise awareness of the charity and to fundraise, their families, the volunteers who give their time and the staff who go above and beyond.
“Blind Veterans UK has been an absolute life saver for me; without the charity, I don’t know what the future would have been for me, my wife and my children. They taught me to live again and showed me that there is life after sight loss.”
Blind Veterans UK supports thousands of blind veterans, 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
Image credit: Joshua Bratt
