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Blind veteran to represent UK at Invictus Games

Published on 8 Apr 2022

Blind veteran Clare has been selected to represent the UK at this month’s Invictus Games.

Clare will be competing in power lifting and indoor rowing and is the only vision-impaired competitor from the UK taking part this year. The annual international sporting event for injured Servicemen and women is being held in The Hague from April 16.  

Clare said:

“After losing my sight and being medically discharged from the RAF I was left devastated.  
 “I lost my friends, my home and my career. I found myself having to start again and I didn’t think anyone would want to employ me.  I no longer felt part of society.”
Blind veteran Clare smiling, stood next to her Invictus Games jacket which is hung up behind her
Blind veteran Clare with her Invictus Games jacket

Five years ago, a friend of Clare’s had been selected to take part in the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto and Clare joined her at a training camp for the event. 

Clare said:

“I met a fellow blind veteran at the camp and I was inspired. I realised I still had a lot to give and decided I would train for a future Invictus Games
 “I’ve been training hard and I’m feeling confident. The Invictus Games has helped me to believe in myself more and I’ve come on so far both physically and mentally.  
 “My children see that I’m walking taller and prouder and they love it.” 
A photo of blind veteran Clare standing next to training equipment and pointing to inspirational message on wall
Blind veteran Clare pointing to an inspirational message on the wall next to where she trains for the Invictus Games

Clare joined the RAF in 2001 and served at RAF Odiham as a propulsion technician. The senior aircraftsman was medically discharged in 2007 after losing her eyesight due to punctate inner choroidopathy, a degenerative condition

Clare has no vision in her left eye and limited central vision in her right eye which she describes as being distorted as though looking through washing up liquid.

Clare got in touch after seeing one of our adverts and we've been supporting her ever since.

“Blind Veterans UK has always been there when I’ve needed them and helped me to regain confidence in the activities I love. I'm a member of the Military Wives Choir and the charity has provided me with a magnifier which helps me to view the song sheets. They’ve also given me equipment to make my life easier around the home including special chopping boards and extra lights to brighten up the worktops.”

Clare
Blind veteran

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.

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