ABOUT 30 blind veterans who were facing the prospect of spending Christmas Day alone will come together to enjoy traditional festivities in Llandudno. 

The veterans will unite at the Blind Veterans UK Centre of Wellbeing in Llandudno to enjoy a lunch with all the trimmings before watching the King’s Christmas Day speech.

During their stay the veterans, who are from across the UK, will have to opportunity to take part in a host of festive activities from Christmas crafting and games to festive food tasting. There will also be carol singing and a visit to a Christmas fair.

North Wales Pioneer: Wally next to Christmas tree in Llandudno CentreWally next to Christmas tree in Llandudno Centre (Image: Submitted)
Blind veteran Alan Walker, of Meadowfield, County Durham, is set to spend Christmas with the Charity following the recent death of his guide dog, Frances.  

The 85-year-old said: “My wife Vera sadly passed away in May 2021 due to Covid and Frances has been a real friend and lifeline particularly since then. Vera and I used to love going on holiday to the Blind Veterans UK centres but since she died I’ve also been going for Christmas to make sure I’m with friends.

“I know I will be sad this year. I’ve now lost Vera and my guide dog, and it has been very hard. But I also know that being with friendly faces over Christmas will make a huge difference to me.” 

Alan joined the Army as part of his National Service at the age of 21 in 1960. One of the last National Servicemen, he joined the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC) and served in Germany and Belgium before he was discharged in 1963.

A keen cricketer, Alan played for the RAOC and later for Durham County Cricket Club. 

He began to lose his sight much later in his life due to age-related macular degeneration.

He said: “It was a massive blow to be told that I would eventually lose all my sight and there was nothing they could do. I knew I would have to stop working which was the hardest thing for me.” 

Fortunately, he found out about Blind Veterans UK and started receiving support from the charity in 2011. 

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Another blind veteran looking forward to spending the festive period alongside staff and other blind veterans at the charity’s Llandudno Centre of Wellbeing is Wally Barnes from Stamford in Lincolnshire.

Wally says: “I'm so excited to be going down to the centre for Christmas this year and I’m looking forward to meeting the other blind veterans who will be there. It’s so important to be around others who are going through the same thing as you.”

Wally’s daughter Sharon said: “It’s nice for me knowing that he’ll be looked after and won’t be on his own. He really enjoys his stays at the centre, there’s so many activities, always something to keep him occupied, and he really enjoys talking to other people who are in the same boat as him.”

Kathy Boardman,  Blind Veterans UK’s Centre Manager in Llandudno, said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming some of our blind veterans to Llandudno for Christmas and the New Year. 

“The majority of those joining us would otherwise be alone for the festive period but now they will be surrounded by other blind veterans and staff.” 

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