A blind veteran from Chester is to march at the Cenotaph in London this Remembrance Sunday (November 12) with the charity Blind Veterans UK.   

Neil Eastwood, 66, will be marching at the Cenotaph as part of the national Remembrance Sunday commemorations with more than 40 other blind veterans supported by Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women.

Neil joined the First Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers in 1976. Following four years in the Royal Fusiliers, Neil was a reservist for a further five years. His service took him across the world from Germany to Kenya.

He said: “I spent a lot of time in Kenya; I was gobsmacked when one night we marched all night and ended up in the place where the film ‘Born Free’ was filmed.

"It was remarkable to see, everything was precisely as it was in the film. Our battalion met with the president of Kenya on Independence Day and we even climbed mount Kenya. I’ve had a very fortunate service history”.

When Neil lost his sight, he didn’t feel able to leave his home for four long years. Fortunately, he found out about Blind Veterans UK and started receiving support from the charity in 2016.

He added: “Blind Veterans UK has given me the confidence to challenge myself all the time. Now I can challenge myself every day.

"I have been out on numerous trips with my volunteer, including a hike in the Welsh mountains where the SAS train. I didn’t think I would make it up the mountain, but I did.

"My volunteer described the views to me, and it was amazing.

"It isn’t always about those big things, sometimes it is as simple as going to a Blind Veterans UK social or going shopping. Blind Veterans UK have given me my independence back.

“I am now passionate about passing on the information and support I have received to others with sight loss and supporting the wider disability community. Wherever I can I educate people on life after sight loss I do.”

Neil will be marching with his younger brother Lee and fellow blind veterans at the Cenotaph this Remembrance Sunday. 

'Brave sacrifice'

He said: “I have marched at the Cenotaph several times but this one is particularly special as it will be my Guide Dog Lenny’s final Remembrance with me after close to a decade by my side.

“I will be remembering all of those who have lost their lives as well as all of those who have put their life on the line for our freedom in any war.

"When you think of that word ‘freedom’, that’s what I advocate for in terms of disability too. That freedom, that independence.”

Chief Executive of Blind Veterans UK Adrian Bell said: “At Remembrance we commemorate the brave sacrifice of all those who lost their lives for their country.

"We also reflect on the huge challenges faced by veterans living with life-changing injuries from their time in service.

“I’m proud to be marching alongside Neil and our contingent of over 40 blind veterans at the Cenotaph this year, and I know there will be many more attending moving ceremonies in communities up and down the country.

“This year marks important anniversaries for our veterans, not least the 20th anniversary since the invasion of Iraq and 70 years since the end of the Korean War.

"With these in mind, we will be particularly thinking of all those tragically lost and wounded in these conflicts, and of their families.”

Blind Veterans UK supports thousands of blind veterans like Neil, but knows there are many thousands more who still need its support to rebuild their lives after sight loss.

Neil added: “If you are a veteran with sight loss then get in touch with Blind Veterans UK because you are missing out, not only on the support and tech available to change your life but also on the comradery, the welcome from other veterans and the opportunity to meet some amazing people who will inspire you.”

If you, or someone you know, served in the Armed Forces, including National Service, and are now struggling with sight loss, call 0800 389 7979 or visit blindveterans.org.uk/apply