A blind veteran says it means the world to him to be spending Christmas with 13 other visually impaired ex-service men and women.

Tom Broughton, from Hawkhurst, has lived alone since his wife died two-and-half years ago.

But now charity Blind Veterans UK – which provides free support and services to vision-impaired ex-Armed Forces and National Service personnel – has stepped in to bring some cheer to his festive season.

The 86-year-old said: “I would have been spending Christmas on my own this year if it wasn’t for Blind Veterans UK.

"I am very close friends with another blind veteran and being able to spend Christmas with her at the centre means the world to me.

“I was ever so lonely when my wife died but love is indiscriminate and we never know when and where it will strike. I’ve been incredibly lucky at my age to find someone else that I’m very fond of and who is very fond of me.”

Tom will enjoy the festive period alongside staff and other blind veterans at the charity’s centre in Brighton.

During their stay, veterans will have the opportunity to enjoy a whole host of activities including crafting, movies, choirs, food tasting and a tea dance.

They will come together to enjoy lunch with all the trimmings before watching the King’s first Christmas Day speech.

Tom joined the Royal Air Force in 1952 at the age of 16. He served for 24 years and held the rank of Flight Lieutenant when he left in 1976.

Tom’s principal squadron was the Far East Communication Squadron with whom he was posted to Singapore for nearly four years.

Following his time in the RAF, Tom took a computer-assisted engineering course which he passed with a distinction and took up a role as a college lecturer.

Tom began to lose his sight in 1995 due to a hereditary eye condition, macular dystrophy. Tom’s sight loss was gradual but at the age of 77, it had deteriorated to a level that forced him to give up work.

Fortunately, he found out about Blind Veterans UK and started receiving support from the charity in 2017.

He says: “When I first found out I was losing my sight I told myself I would have to get on with things, that there was absolutely no point in bemoaning my life.

"You don’t have to look far to see someone worse off than yourself and therefore I was not going to complain.

“My wife supported me and drove me around. She was wonderful. We used to visit the Blind Veterans UK centre together and had a lovely time.

“I live on my own now but I know that Blind Veterans UK are there if I need them, nothing is too much trouble.

"The staff are always looking at ways in which to keep us active. I’ve just been sent a quilling kit and I’m really looking forward to giving it a go.

"I will start it when I arrive at the centre for Christmas as the staff and my fellow veterans can help me.

“Since I’ve been with the charity, I have been helped enormously with my artwork. I have a box full of paint and have been taught methods to help me enjoy this hobby.

“I’ve also been provided with wraparound sunglasses from the charity that I would not be able to live without. I have to say, everyone at Blind Veterans UK is just brilliant.”

“I live on my own now but I know that Blind Veterans UK are there if I need them, nothing is too much trouble"

Blind Veterans UK’s centre manager in Brighton, Lesley Garven, said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming some of our blind veterans to Brighton 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.”

Blind Veterans UK supports thousands of blind veterans like Tom but there are many thousands more who still need its support to rebuild their lives after sight loss.

The charity recently launched a campaign, supported by Specsavers, to find and recruit these men and women.

Tom said: “If you are unsure whether Blind Veterans UK are able to help you, I would say just give it a go.

"Get in touch with them and see what they say as they may be able to change your life.”

For more information, call 0800 389 7979 or visit blindveterans.org.uk/support.

While the charity initially cared for veterans blinded in active service, today they help veterans no matter what caused their sight loss.

If you, or someone you know, served in the Armed Forces, including National Service and are now struggling with sight loss then Blind Veterans UK encourage you to get in touch.