Swindon Blind Veterans to March at the Cenotaph This Remembrance Sunday
Two blind veterans from Swindon will take part in the Remembrance Sunday march at the Cenotaph in London, supported by Blind Veterans UK. Peter Kay, 69, and Bob Clarke, 61, will join about 40 other blind veterans in the national commemorations.
Peter Kay's Service and Vision Loss
Peter served 18 years in the Territorial Army as a workshop manager with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. He took part in training exercises, including Operation Lionheart in 1984. Peter lost his sight in early 2020 during the Covid-19 lockdown. Initially diagnosed with cataracts in his left eye, he faced delays for 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.
At first, Peter was completely blind but regained some sight through medication.
Bob Clarke's Military and Civilian Career
Bob joined the RAF in 1981 at age 16 and worked as an aircraft engineer for ten years. After his service, he pursued a career in the aircraft industry and also took up archaeology. In 2019, Bob was diagnosed with glaucoma and lost his sight overnight.
“I was black blind at first with no sight at all, but fortunately, with medication, I got a little bit of my sight back.”
The two veterans will march together to honor those who served, representing resilience and adaptation after sight loss.
Author's summary: Two blind veterans from Swindon will march at the London Cenotaph this Remembrance Sunday, commemorating service and overcoming vision loss.