A blind veteran from Conwy is set to march at the Cenotaph in London this Remembrance Sunday with the charity Blind Veterans UK.
Jon Westerby, 64, from Rhos-on-Sea, will take part in the national Remembrance Sunday commemorations on November 9 alongside around 40 other blind veterans supported by the charity.
Mr Westerby, who joined the Yorkshire Volunteers (TA) in 1983, said: "My grandfather fought in WW1 and then my dad was in the Royal Air Force, it felt a natural step for me to follow them into service and so I signed up to the Army. My son then kept up the family tradition and joined the Royal Engineers."
Mr Westerby was medically discharged from the Army after being diagnosed with the eye condition retinitis pigmentosa in both eyes and now has only around two per cent vision remaining.
He said: "After my sight deteriorated, the support I have received from Blind Veterans UK has meant everything to me.
"There were so many things that I thought I could no longer do but the help I have received has meant that I can carry on being independent.
"Simple things like being taught to confidently use my iPhone have made a huge difference, and my long cane training was amazing."
This will be Mr Westerby’s third time marching in London.
He said: "It means a great deal to me to be part of the Blind Veterans UK contingent at the Cenotaph.
"I feel very, very proud.
"It’s an unbelievable feeling.
"I’ll be thinking of my father and grandfather on the day and though it’s an emotional day, being surrounded by the camaraderie of my fellow blind veterans is a great support."
Blind Veterans UK supports thousands of vision-impaired ex-Service men and women across the country.
Adrian Bell, chief executive of Blind Veterans UK, said: "Earlier this year we commemorated 80 years since VE Day and VJ Day, milestones that remind us of the courage and sacrifice of those who helped secure peace in Europe and the Pacific.
"This Remembrance Sunday, I’m proud to march alongside our veterans, including those who served in those defining moments, and all who have served since.
"We honour the men and women who gave their lives for our country, and we will remember them."
The charity’s 2025 Remembrance campaign is titled "Honour their service, Support their future".
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