BLIND VETERANS UK England

Since 1915, Blind Veterans UK (formerly St DunstanÍs) has given invaluable physical and emotional support to blind ex-Service men and women. We work with our beneficiaries and their families ? providing training, support and advice, and creating a thriving sporting and social network for life. With our unique expertise, experience and comprehensive range of services, we enable them to lead independent fulfilling lives. All of the services we provide rely upon donations and the generosity of supporters leaving gifts in their Wills to Blind Veterans UK. With your help in this way we can give more and more blind veterans the chance to regain their independence and make the most of the opportunities available to them. If you would like more information please call us on 020 7616 7953 or email us. æ Supporting blind veterans æ æ Please take the time to read Ken's story: æ Ken joined the Royal Air Force in 1949 and served for nine years but, like the vast majority of those we support, lost his sight decades later due to age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). ItÍs a sad fact that many of the blind veterans we support suffer from social isolation. It happens as we get older and our families leave us, and partners pass away. For people with sight loss, that isolation is all the more painful to bear. ItÍs not just about losing other people though, with Ken it was also about being isolated inside himself. You are unable to carry out tasks such as going to the shops or even pick up a phone to speak to a friendly voice. For those who canÍt see, it often leads to losing your self-belief, and ? even worse ? your sense of belonging. Ken says: ñThe first thing Blind Veterans UK did was to arrange for me to visit their training centre down in Brighton for an intro week. It was only when I came back I realised how low I had been. Perhaps most importantly though, Ken now attends several Blind Veterans UK events and the charity also connected him with one of our volunteers. Liam now visits Ken several times a week. We have set a target to recruit 500 more volunteers with a specific focus on recruiting Home Visitors like Liam. This is crucial in helping to combat the isolation experienced by so many of our veterans like Ken. KenÍs story is an example of the difference made by the training, rehabilitation and support the charity provides. He has been given new equipment, like a CCTV Magnifier, which allows him to read his mail again and a specially adapted electronic tablet which allows him to keep in touch with friends and family. We at Blind Veterans UK give those who have served our country support that ranges from rehabilitation and training to practical advice, and vital emotional support. Together we can help rebuild blind veteransÍ lives after sight loss. Away from isolation. Towards a life of fulfilment. Will you make a very special commitment and remember the work of Blind Veterans UK in your Will?