Blind Veterans UK

It’s Twixmas! That sweet spot between Christmas and New Year is here. Why not take a moment to put your feet up, enjoy the last of the turkey, and start dreaming about 2025? Got a challenge or adventure in mind? Head to our website for inspiration and make it happen: https://ow.ly/2MH750UvV5K [Image description: A close-up of a hand resting on a desk near a glowing Christmas tree adorned with lights and decorations. A computer screen in the background shows the Blind Veterans UK website displaying an image of skydivers mid jump.]

Spotted! Santa was caught in action yesterday, delivering stockings to veterans staying at our Llandudno Centre, filled with goodies donated by our friends at Théa Pharma UK. Did you spot Santa in action? We’d love to see your pics – add to the comments below! [Image descriptions: 1. Santa standing with a cart full of Christmas stockings provided by Thea Pharmaceuticals, surrounded by cheerful staff in festive outfits, ready to spread holiday cheer at the Llandudno Centre. 2. Santa crouching by a door with a festive wreath, holding a Christmas stocking filled with gifts, as he prepares to deliver a surprise to a veteran at the Llandudno Centre.]

Merry Christmas from everyone at Blind Veterans UK! Here is a special acapella rendition of "12 Days of Christmas," performed by our talented blind veterans. The lyrics are thoughtfully rewritten to reflect the incredible support and services that you have helped provide. Your continued support means the world to us and to those we serve. Enjoy the video and hit the share button to spread the cheer! Watch the full video now: https://ow.ly/mCht50UvTM7

The holiday spirit was in full swing at the Visa office in London where their wonderful team got creative to support Blind Veterans UK! Together, they spent the day making beautiful, personalised snowflakes to decorate our Rustington Centre, adding a heartfelt touch to the festive celebrations for the veterans we support. These small acts of kindness make a big difference. A huge thank you to the Visa team for giving their time this festive season. [Image description: A group photograph of Visa team members holding up their paper snowflakes and smiling.]

Last week, the fantastic team at Viridien, joined by their friends and family, gave their time and support to our festive carol service at St Paul’s in Craig y Don, Llandudno. The event was a joyful celebration, bringing together our veterans and the local community for an afternoon of merriment and festive cheer. A huge thank you to the team for helping us make this day so special! [Image description: The Viridien team standing behind a Blind Veterans UK table with cups and a coffee dispenser. They are smiling, holding drinks, and dressed in festive Christmas jumpers and scarves. The setting is a church with stone arches and banners in the background.]

The team at Sopra Steria UK are back again, going above and beyond for our blind veterans! This time, they hosted a memorable day at St Paul’s Cathedral. From a fascinating guided tour to a delicious lunch overlooking the iconic landmark, it was a day filled with inspiration, laughter, and even some reminiscing about our epic Yr Wyddfa hike earlier this year. Our veterans were truly touched by the care and effort put into the event. As blind veteran Keith and his partner Penny shared: “The tour of St Paul’s Cathedral, followed by a very tasty lunch, was not only well-organised but also incredibly hospitable. The dedication and professionalism of the Sopra Steria team did not go unnoticed and contributed significantly to the day’s success.” A heartfelt thank you to Sopra Steria for their ongoing generosity and commitment - it means so much to our community. [Image description: A large group of blind veterans, their companions and Sopra Steria UK staff pose together in a modern, spacious room with large windows offering a view of the London skyline, including St Paul's Cathedral. The group is smiling.]

Christmas has come early to our Llandudno Centre! A massive thank you to ScottishPower Energy Networks for their donation this week of £5,000! Scottish Power has been a longstanding supporter and champion of our blind veterans, not only supporting with donations and participation in fundraising events such as Fire Walking, but also volunteering their time to support projects in the community such as maintaining and improving our woodlands and grounds and the Llandudno Centre. If you would like to find out how you and your team could get involved and support blind veterans in your community, visit: https://ow.ly/xsvi50Uu2c2 [Image description: A team of Scottish Power volunteers posing for a picture in front of an Abbot Self Propelling Gun after giving their time and use of their equipment to create an accessible pathway in our Llandudno Centre grounds in 2019.]

A huge #ThankYouThursday to our friends at Théa Pharma UK! Recently, Mark and Steph visited our Llandudno Centre with an array of goodies that will be gifted to veterans staying at our Llandudno Centre this Christmas. This is the second year team members have added our veterans to their own Christmas shopping lists, ensuring veterans spending the festive season with us have a surprise from 'Santa'. To find out more about our relationship with Théa Pharma UK and how your team could get involved, read their story: https://ow.ly/uiaJ50Urzql [Image description: A festive group photo featuring Mark and Steph from Thea Pharma UK and Blind Veterans UK team members at the Llandudno Centre. They are standing and sitting around a Christmas tree and a table of presents.]

“Being part of Blind Veterans UK has been life-changing for me.” This Christmas, we’re hosting over 50 festive get-togethers across the UK, giving blind veterans the chance to reconnect, share experiences, and celebrate the season with others who truly understand their journey. Mike, a blind veteran who served in the Royal Engineers, recently joined a Christmas lunch in Hailsham. “The food was delicious, and it’s a wonderful opportunity for companionship. We all come from different parts of the military, and it’s fascinating to hear their stories,” he shared. Your support helps blind veterans like Mike feel part of a community - at Christmas and all year round. Find out more about how we're bringing veterans together this Christmas: https://ow.ly/peyE50UtfjI [Image description: blind veteran Mike wearing a Christmas hat and eating his Christmas lunch.]

Christmas has arrived at our Rustington Centre, thanks to the amazing Aerospace, Defence and Security team from Sopra Steria UK! The team generously gave their time to transform our centre into a festive wonderland for our veterans. Eleven beautifully decorated Christmas trees, a magical Santa’s Grotto, and even a cosy Ski Lodge are now ready to spread holiday cheer during our Christmas-themed holiday weeks. The day was full of festive spirit, with plenty of laughter, creativity, and a shared goal of bringing joy to our blind veterans this Christmas. A huge thank you to the whole team for their efforts! [Image description: A group of 10 people from Sopra Steria UK stand in front of the entrance of the Blind Veterans UK Rustington Centre. They are smiling and wearing festive accessories. Next to them, two decorated Christmas trees are positioned on either side of the entrance.]