£2,000 donation from HCR supports blind veterans

Specialist equipment which can give blind veterans in Worcestershire independence and a chance to lead the lives they choose has been funded by a £2,000 donation from Harrison Clark Rickerbys (HCR).

The donation to Blind Veterans UK will help support some of the 4,000+ ex-service men and women which the charity provides with free services and lifelong support to enable them to rebuild their lives after sight loss.

The equipment, ranging from mobility canes to talking microwaves, will benefit those who are blind or partially sighted by restoring their confidence and allow them to live sociable, fulfilling lives. Other equipment includes CCTV scanners which magnify text and visuals onto a screen, meaning veterans can read letters and newspapers, helping them stay connected to loved ones and the world around them.

HCR’S donation to the charity, and to blind veterans living in Worcestershire particularly, , will also support the cost of adapted tablets, mobiles and IT equipment to help the veterans, whose average age is 87, access social support groups, reducing their risk of isolation and loneliness.

Johanna Stegner, trusts and foundations executive for Blind Veterans UK, which was founded in 1915, said: “Sight loss can leave many of our veterans feeling isolated and fearful of losing their independence. They worry that they will become overly reliant on others to carry out the day-to-day tasks of living. However, the specialist equipment and training we provide can truly transform the lives of our blind veterans, helping them to regain confidence and take control of their lives.

“For example, a simple device such as a talking watch means that a beneficiary can tell night from day and regain a sense of structure in their lives, whilst a talking microwave, or a liquid-level indicator, gives a beneficiary the ability to safely and independently cook for themselves at home – something that so many of us without a visual impairment take for granted.

“This generous donation will help ensure that blind veterans can continue to lead the lives they choose. My sincere thanks to everyone at HCR for their generosity and helping to spread the word about Blind Veterans UK; it is greatly appreciated.”

Adam Finch, partner, said: “I’m delighted that we’re able to support such a worthy cause – knowing that this donation will go towards helping veterans to regain their independence is fantastic. It is one small way in which we can thank them for their service.”