A NORTHFIELD war hero is calling on ex-servicemen and women affected by severe sight loss to get in touch with Blind Veterans UK to find out more about how the charity can help.
Grenville Davies, 96, joined the Royal Army Ordnance Corps in July 1939 and fought in France druring the Second World War with the British Expeditionary Force.
He was then captured and spent five years in a prisoner of war camp in Poland.
Following the war, he was discharged from the army and was employed in the motor trade in Birmingham for the rest of his working life.
It was only years after Grenville retired that he lost his sight as a result of age-related macular degeneration.
Grenville said: “I first began to experience problems with my sight around ten years ago as my central vision was getting worse due to the condition.
“I found it difficult to read and then had to give up driving.”
But, with the help of Blind Veterans UK, Grenville has discovered a life beyond sight loss. The charity has provided equipment for him, such as a modified kettle that makes it safer for a visually impaired person to boil water and other kitchen equipment to make his life easier and safer.
Blind Veterans UK has also provided Grenville with the opportunity to meet other Armed Forces veterans who are also battling sight loss.
Grenville said: “I go to the charity’s Llandudno centre probably three or four times a year which gives me the opportunity to get out of the house and also talk to other veterans.
“I also recently attended a Prisoner of War reunion at Blind Veterans UK’s Brighton centre along with a small number of other veterans.
“I am thankful Blind Veterans UK give me the opportunity to go to this.”
This week – as part of Eye Health Week (September 21 to 27), Grenville is hoping other ex-servicemen and women who suffer sight loss will reach out to Blind Veterans UK after hearing his story.
Visit www.noonealone.org.uk or call 0800 389 7979 for more on the charity and how it can help.
