Blind veterans enjoy sports day at HMS Sultan Summer Camp

A group of blind veterans from across the UK recently took part in a sports day as part of an exciting programme of activities on offer at the HMS Sultan summer camp.

Hoopla, basketball, deck hockey and skittles were just some of the challenges undertaken by the group of veterans, who were aided by a group of volunteers from HMS Sultan and the retired service community.

The veterans gathered at the Royal Navy air and marine engineering training base as part of a week packed full of fun and exciting diverse activities, which also included sailing, archery, indoor climbing, crazy golf, and horse riding in the local community. All activities were aimed at encouraging those who suffer from sight loss to remain independent.

Historically supported by the Fleet Air Arm Field Gun Crew, the summer camp has been successfully hosted by HMS Sultan since 1996 following the closure of HMS Daedalus. Many of those Field Gunners who were associated with supporting the event prior to the move are still involved to this day.

Charlie is a former infantry soldier with the 1st King's Regiment who lost his sight in 2010 due to pigmentation dispersion syndrome, a condition that has continued to deteriorate. He had heard other blind veterans speak enthusiastically about the summer camp and was finally able to attend this year as a new camper.

For Charlie, our support has been life-changing. When he first joined our charity, he was in a very dark place and our support helped save his life. The experience has motivated him to retrain as a reflexologist, giving him new career goals and purpose. Charlie lives by what he calls our "three As" - accept, adapt, and achieve - principles he believes everyone should embrace.

Charlie said: "When I first joined Blind Veterans UK, I was in a very bad place and very close to suicide, but the charity helped save my life and change my life. My fellow blind veterans kept telling me how good this camp was - I was intrigued and finally I'm here. It's all about companionship and enjoying yourself. Getting involved keeps you fit, keeps your mind active, and if you're feeling down, the lads and ladies will pick you up - we complement each other all the time."

Captain Mark Hamilton, Commanding Officer of HMS Sultan, said: "It is a huge honour to welcome the veterans into HMS Sultan for the summer camp. The camp offers blind veterans a unique environment in which to re-engage in the camaraderie of the Armed Forces. The week is crammed full of fun activities that challenge not only those taking part, but also the stereotypes around disabilities. Our campers offer an excellent example to us all of what can be achieved with the will to overcome adversity."

Adrian Bell, CEO of Blind Veterans UK, said:  "Each time I attend this camp, I'm reminded of why it's so special. The camaraderie, the challenge of new activities, and the support from HMS Sultan create an environment where our blind veterans can truly flourish. As a naval veteran myself, I know how important these bonds are, and I'm proud to see them continuing to make such a positive difference to the lives of our blind veterans. I'm so grateful to everyone at HMS Sultan for their wonderful support in making this exceptional week possible."