Blind veteran scores extra special Remembrance at Arsenal

Blind veteran Kelly proudly led our contingent at the Cenotaph this weekend alongside her guide dog Archie, together making a small piece of history by being the first blind veteran and guide dog duo to take on the role.

This was already a very special weekend for Kelly and her family, and was made even more magical when they received a surprise from Arsenal Football Club.

Kelly, 45, her wife Sarah and their daughter, 10-year-old Bethany, are all huge Arsenal fans and were excited to be watching Arsenal Women take on Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday ahead of Kelly marching at the Cenotaph on Sunday. 

Accessibility staff at the stadium had already put arrangements in place to look after Kelly’s guide dog Archie while the family watched the match. Kelly says:

“We were so excited to be going to the stadium and to have Archie taken care of so we didn’t have to worry about him was fantastic but what came next has left us with memories that we will cherish forever.”

Arsenal discovered the significance of the family’s visit to London for the weekend and truly made it a day they will never forget. 

After the match, the family were taken pitch side to meet their heroes. Bethany’s favourite player is Alessia Russo who presented her with a signed match shirt. 

Bethany wasn’t the only one to meet her hero, Kelly and Sarah were honoured to meet Kelly Smith and Rachel Yankey. The family also met captain Kim Little and defender Lotte Wubben-Moy. 

Despite Kelly's sight loss, she strives to live her life to the full. She says:

"I never let sight loss prevent me from trying new things. I’ve always wanted to lead by example and to show Bethany that disability does not define us. Bethany very much has the same outlook on life and is a remarkable young lady. For this to have happened for Bethany, and our entire family, this weekend means so much to Sarah and I.”