Blind Veterans Gifted Wreaths In West Sussex

Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women, is inviting businesses, local groups and individuals to ‘Gift a Wreath’ to be laid by blind veterans at local Remembrance events around the country this November.

The charity has a Centre of Wellbeing in Rustington where a small number of blind veterans reside, and others visit for holidays and rehabilitation.

Interior Design company, HomeSmiths, have signed up for a second year to ‘Gift a Wreath’ which will be laid in Rustington during the town’s Remembrance commemorations.

There are still many veterans throughout Sussex who would like to lay a wreath in their local area.

Remembrance is a special time of year for veterans, their families and those in active service. Every November, blind veterans, staff, and volunteers come together to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

On Remembrance Sunday, Blind Veterans UK supports its beneficiaries in making the journey to London to march past the Cenotaph but many veterans choose to mark the important occasion at events closer to home.

Blind Veterans UK provides wreaths to these veterans so they too can play an active part in Remembrance.

A suggested donation of £200 will enable a blind veteran to take an active part in Remembrance in their local community.

It will also ensure blind veterans are able to continue receiving vital support to help them lead independent and fulfilling lives.

Blind veteran Jim Dunn, who is 83 and from Rustington, served in the Army for 37 years.

Last year he laid a wreath at the Rustington War Memorial in West Sussex that had been funded by the ‘Gift a Wreath’ campaign.

He said:

“It’s very important for me to pay my respects as so many people through the ages have lost their lives in a bid to defend our freedom.

“I was incredibly proud to lay a wreath on behalf of my fellow blind veterans and on behalf of the charity who have done so much for me.”

Those that gift a wreath will have their name added to the wreath and a tribute message will be added to the ‘Gift a Wreath’ page on the Blind Veterans UK website.

Jacqui Smith, director of HomeSmiths, said:

“We became involved with Blind Veterans UK after we were selected to complete the interior design element of their new Rustington Centre. As a designer with a visual impairment, this was especially meaningful to me.

“The design process was adapted to ensure that the veterans involved in the consultation could understand the refurbishment plans.

"The presentations were more sensory, and we guided the veteran’s hands around the floor plans so they could get a sense of how they would navigate the new centre.

“I wanted to support the charity’s Gift a Wreath campaign again this year as the charity is close to my heart in so many ways.”

Blind Veterans UK’s ‘Gift a Wreath’ campaign is not only for businesses, individuals are also invited to gift a wreath.

To find out more, or to sign up to the ‘Gift a Wreath’ campaign visit: blindveterans.org.uk/wreath

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. Call 0800 389 7979 or visit blindveterans.org.uk/support