Blind veterans enjoy sports day at HMS Sultan Summer Camp

Blind veterans from across the UK took part in a sports day as part of an exciting programme of activities on offer at the HMS Sultan Blind Veterans UK 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 will also include sailing, archery, lawn bowls, a visit to the Royal Artillery Equestrian Centre, and a trip to the Middle Wallop Army Air Museum.

All activities are aimed at encouraging those who suffer from sight loss to remain independent.

Historically supported by the Fleet Air Arm Field Gun Crew for over 50 years, 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.

This year's camp, held from Friday 7 to Saturday 15 August, welcomed 17 blind veterans and 15 helpers to HMS Sultan.

Among this year's campers was first-time attendee Steve Parnell, who served as a steward in the RAF between 1986 and 1991. Steve was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye condition, in 1991, and was registered blind in 2004. Losing his sight cost him his job and forced him to move back in with his parents, but Steve rebuilt his life and career from the ground up. He retrained first as a fitness instructor, working in the industry for 15 years, before qualifying as a remedial massage therapist, a career he continues today across a private practice and community clubs.

He said: "This is the first time I’ve come to the camp, so I was a little bit nervous, but what I love about it is the camaraderie. Civilians don't really get it, but it doesn't matter if you were Air Force, Navy or Army, you've got that in common, and everyone gives you encouragement, with a bit of military humour thrown in too. John's helping me around this week, and even something like finding my way back from the showers, which isn't far, but I keep losing my way, having that bit of support makes it so much easier. I had a go at archery yesterday too, and out of all the shots I took, I think I only missed two, which I was really pleased with."

Adrian Bell, our Chief Executive, said: "Every time I attend this camp, I'm reminded of why it's so special. The camaraderie, of old friends coming back together, the integration of new campers into the community, the challenge of new activities, and the support from HMS Sultan create an environment where our veterans can grow in confidence and flourish.

"As a naval veteran myself, I know how important the bonds that bind us are, and I'm proud to see the difference they make to the lives of our blind veterans. I'm so grateful to everyone at HMS Sultan for their fantastic support which makes this exceptional week possible."