Swindon Blind Veterans to March at the Cenotaph This Remembrance Sunday
Two blind veterans from Swindon will join the march at the Cenotaph in London this Remembrance Sunday, supported by Blind Veterans UK. Peter Kay, 69, will march alongside his friend Bob Clarke, 61, and about 40 other blind veterans as part of the national memorial events.
Peter Kay’s Service and Vision Loss
Peter served 18 years in the Territorial Army, working as a workshop manager with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. He participated in various training exercises, including Operation Lionheart in 1984. Peter lost his sight in 2020 during the early days of the Covid-19 lockdown. Initially diagnosed with cataracts in his left eye, he was unable to access timely surgery.
“Within a week, I’d lost my sight completely and made the decision to go for private treatment, which diagnosed optic nerve damage,” said Peter. “I was black blind at first with no sight at all, but fortunately, with medication, I got a little bit of my sight back.”
Bob Clarke’s Military Career and Vision Challenges
Bob joined the RAF as an aircraft engineer in 1981 at the age of 16 and served for ten years. After leaving the military, he worked in the aircraft industry and also pursued archaeology. In 2019, Bob was diagnosed with glaucoma and lost his sight overnight.
“I lost my sight overnight due to glaucoma,” Bob noted, highlighting the sudden impact of his condition.
Summary
These veterans’ participation at the Cenotaph underscores resilience and dedication, honoring those who served despite their disabilities.