A blind RAF veteran from Sudbury has recently been skiing in Canazei, Italy, with other vision-impaired Armed Forces veterans thanks to national military charity, Blind Veterans UK.
Chris Francis, 60, went skiing in the Dolomites mountain range as part of a party of around 60, 18 of whom are vision-impaired skiers and are supported by Blind Veterans UK.
Chris said: “It was an absolutely brilliant trip. It is the fifth time I have gone skiing with Blind Veterans UK and this was the biggest group I’d ever gone with. I had a great time and so did everyone else. I always enjoy going skiing, it feels very liberating and it is very confidence boosting.”
He skis with a guide who communicates with him via a radio in his helmet. He said: “I have improved my skiing a lot over the last five years and it is great to have something to focus on and to look forward to.”
Chris said: “All your faith is in your guide but they deserve a lot of credit as they are all great. I enjoyed the comaradery and sharing experiences and stories with the other veterans, we got to know each other well over a few drinks after a day’s skiing.”
Chris lost his sight suddenly in June 2009 due to an immune system disorder. He said: “I was driving one day and my eyesight went fuzzy and wasn’t quite right. When I woke up the next day I could barely see and my sight has never come back. It means I struggle to recognise my children and I can’t read anything.”
He has said that receiving support from Blind Veterans UK has helped him overcome the depression he initially felt after losing his sight. The training provided by the charity has given him the skills to enjoy life despite his severe sight loss.
Chris said: “I am so glad my ex-wife told me about Blind Veterans UK. The training they have provided me with and the equipment I have received from them has made life much better and easier.”
Chris spent time serving in the RAF, joining in March 1978 and leaving in March 1987. He was a PT instructor and regularly skydived when in the RAF and after he left – something that alongside piloting he had to give up because of his severe sight loss.
Chris said: “Blind Veterans UK really do show veterans that there is a life beyond sight loss, I can testify to that. Meeting other veterans really helped me come to terms with and adjust to my sight loss.
“All the veterans they support benefit from a range of services and top class help. They help all Armed Forces veterans with severe sight loss, from younger veterans, right through to those who served during the Second World War and those who did National Service.
“I now volunteer for Blind Veterans UK to give something back. They have made such a big difference to my life. Without their support I don’t know where I’d be. Certainly I would never imagined I could have skied.”
Blind Veterans UK is the national charity for blind and vision impaired ex-Service men and women, providing vital practical and emotional support to help veterans, like Chris, discover life beyond sight loss. The charity has three centres in Brighton, Sheffield and Llandudno, North Wales and a network of welfare officers around the UK.
If you, or someone you know, served in the Armed Forces or did National Service and are now battling severe sight loss, find out how Blind Veterans UK could help change your life in 2016 by calling 0800 389 7979 or visiting www.noonealone.org.uk.
