Royal Air Force veteran Geoff Austin is flying high again after being given a new lease of life by Blind Veterans UK.

The 86-year-old from Greenhithe has spoken out to praise the support of the charity which has helped him cope with sight-loss and enjoy his old hobbies.

The former rally driver has even managed to get behind the wheel again after signing up the charity last year.

“It’s a year since I joined Blind Veterans UK and in that time I’ve done things that I never thought were possible given my sight loss," said Geoff. "The charity has honestly given me a new lease of life.”

Geoff, whose father was in the RAF, grew up tinkering with machinery, which would stand him in good stead during his National Service and when he joined the RAF himself - working alongside the United States Air Force, testing communications and radio equipment for B-29 aircrafts at RAF Mareham in Norfolk.

After leaving the RAF in 1952, he ran his own engineering and engraving business for more than 50 years, and enjoyed hobbies like competitive rally car driving and gliding.

But his life took a downward turn when he began to lose his sight ten years ago 10 years ago - and the veteran was dealt a further blow when his partner of more than a decade passed away, leaving him to battle sight loss alone.

Geoff added: "It was a very difficult time. I’m a man who really values my independence and I found it frustrating that I had no control over what was happening to me. I love driving, flying and engineering and for all of those I needed my sight."

Fortunately, Geoff found out about Blind Veterans UK through his local sight loss support group, the Kent Association for the Blind, and has since received training and equipment to help him adapt to his sight loss. He's also enjoyed breaks at one of the Blind Veterans UK’s rehabilitation centres, and even sat behind the wheel again during the charity’s Driving Week.

Geoff added: “Blind Veterans UK has been brilliant. I’ve received lots of useful equipment like a CCTV reader which scans and enlarges my post, and a big-button telephone to help me make calls.”

“But the best gift the charity has given me is a renewed interest in life. Over the past year I’ve had so many adventures: driving an old Army Jeep, taking IT training and being put through my paces in the gym.”

He continued: “This January I’d encourage other veterans living with sight loss to make a New Year’s resolution - get in touch with Blind Veterans UK!"

Blind Veterans UK estimates that there are more than 1,300 ex-Service men and women in Kent battling severe sight loss who could be eligible our support but who do not realise it.

If you, or someone you know, served in the Armed Forces or did National Service and is now battling severe sight loss, find out how Blind Veterans UK could help by calling 0800 389 7979 or visiting blindveterans.org.uk