Befriender: Alec and Mike

After losing his wife and relocating to a new town, 93-year-old blind veteran Alec faced a profound shift in his life. Despite the challenges of sight loss and grief, Alec’s resilient spirit found new light through his friendship with volunteer Mike, who began supporting him in 2023. 

Blind Veterans UK had been assisting Alec for a number of years as his eyesight gradually deteriorated through macular degeneration. A naturally sociable and active man, Alec found it difficult as his sight loss began to limit the hobbies he loved most.

With essential equipment, practical advice and ongoing encouragement he was able to adapt, maintain his independence and - thanks to the support from his wife - continue enjoying one of his greatest passions - playing Bridge.

Alec and his wife Suzanne shared a rich, fulfilling life together and even founded a thriving Bridge club and became much-loved members of their local community. When Suzanne sadly passed away from cancer, he made the difficult decision to leave and move in with his sister-in-law in another town as she had kindly offered to support him during this new chapter of his life.

Connection through befriending

The loss of Alec's wife brought an enormous change to his life, leaving him to navigate not only his grief but also a new community. When we introduced him to befriending volunteer, Mike, the human connection made all the difference.

From their very first meeting, Mike was struck by Alec's positivity and determination to settle into his new surroundings, despite everything he'd been through. Mike soon began accompanying Alec to local lunches and community events, and even helped him reconnect with his love of Bridge at a couple of nearby clubs.

Although Alec's eyesight meant he count no longer play to the level he once did, the experience brought him joy and a sense of belonging.