A Sandhurst Celebration
A group of blind veterans joined current and potential future charity corporate partners at a special event held at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) last week.
The event was held primarily as a celebration of the stories and achievements of some of the blind veterans supported by our charity but was also an opportunity to engage with our corporate supporters. Through their support, they make our work, and the life-changing impact we’re able to have for our veterans, possible.
Sponsored by two of our corporate partners, Amazon and Corps Security, this event was particularly special for being held at Sandhurst, a world-leading military training academy training future leaders of the British Army.
The guests were welcomed by blind veteran Alan who shared his personal story before they were provided with a history of The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst by Brigadier Nick Wight-Boycott OBE. Blind Veterans UK itself has a long history with Sandhurst. Blind veterans have held numerous archery competitions at the academy, often competing against sighted teams from our serving Armed Forces.
On one visit in 1982, blind, deaf, and handless WWII veteran Tommy Gaygan presented the commanding officer at the time with an oak coffee table made by a blind veteran. Over 40 years on, this table was at our event.
At the event this year, another blind veteran presented Brigadier Wight-Boycott OBE with a special gift on behalf of all blind veterans. Blind veteran Bryan has always been a keen artist and has found ways to adapt his skill since losing his sight. He presented the Sandhurst Commander with a painting he has created especially for the academy. It features four figures: a solider from the Waterloo era, another from WWII, one from the modern day, and a veteran.
Bryan has also drawn a picture of the Old College at Sandhurst, which has been made into postcards and was given out to all guests in attendance.
"I’m feeling extremely proud. And a little humbled. My picture will be presented in the Waterloo Room which has the most beautiful picture of the Battle of Waterloo at one end."
Bryan joined the Royal Navy in November 1959 after completing an apprenticeship in the Merchant Navy. He spent 12 years in the Navy flying in helicopters. Upon retirement, Bryan joined a joint service unit of the Royal Naval Reserve, which was comprised of people of all ranks from all three services, and finally retired in 1999.
After a gap of more than 30-years and, having been diagnosed with age related macular degeneration in 2012, Bryan assumed that his amateur art days were over. He says:
“I’m so grateful for Blind Veterans UK who presented me with my first watercolour kit after I lost my sight. I’m in the position I am now because of their initiative. They gave me the inspiration to pick my hobby back up and get re-skilled.”
Blind veteran Stu was awarded the Life Beyond Sight Loss Award
Stuart started receiving support from the charity in only 2024, describing himself at that time as a broken man, unsure how to begin rebuilding his life. Prior to losing his sight, Stuart was a successful businessman: physically fit, independent and surrounded by animals he loved, including dogs and horses.
In 2021, Stuart began experiencing unexplained blackouts. Following one episode, he spent eight months in a coma, during which consultants did not believe he would survive. Against all odds, Stuart woke to a devastating new reality. He had lost his sight, his business, his home and his animals. He spent a further three years in residential rehabilitation before being referred to us with little sense of where to start again.
Over the past year, Stuart has demonstrated immense courage, resilience and determination. With the right support, he is now thriving.
He is rebuilding his life and pushing himself in bold new ways, including completing the Southeast Ultra and walking 50km across the South Downs, raising an incredible £7,500 for Blind Veterans UK.
Also presented was our Volunteer Founder’s Award to Blind Veterans UK volunteer Patrick.
Patrick, or “Paddy” as he’s known was nominated by blind veteran Sue and she highlighted the extent to which he has gone to support her and other blind veterans.
Amongst other things, he drives blind veterans to fortnightly arts and craft clubs and has supported other blind veterans taking part in walking challenges and many different activities. The nomination said: “he is just so dedicated to Blind Veterans UK, that he will do whatever he can and whenever help and support is needed.”
Paddy has supported Sue with her new Guide dog to the point that he’s now even taking part in training sessions with her, the guide dog, and the Guide Dogs trainer.
This award was extra special for Paddy as it was presented by a current Sandhurst Officer Cadet, his son Matthew!
Blind Veterans UK CEO, Adrian Bell, said:
“This really was a special opportunity to gather our blind veterans together with our current, and possibly future, corporate partners. I would like to offer my congratulations to Stu and Paddy for their awards and my sincere thanks to Amazon, Corps Security, and The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst for making this event possible.”
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