Blind Salisbury veteran will march at London Cenotaph for Remembrance

David Cole, from Salisbury, will join more than 40 other blind veterans supported by the charity that has 'given him so much', Blind Veterans UK.

Mr Cole joined the Royal Engineers in 1994, travelling across the UK before leaving the military in 1997 to settle down in Salisbury with his family. 

He said: “I joined as a very naughty 16-year-old and was reprimanded a few times! I loved the comradery of the military and travelling all over the country from Cambridge to the Brecon Beacons to Salisbury”.  

David Cole has been supported by the charity since 2012. (Image: Blind Veterans UK)

The 45-year-old lost his sight in 2011 due to glaucoma but has received life-changing support from Blind Veterans UK since 2012.

Mr Cole said every male member of his family served in the armed forces at some point in their lifetime and he's proud to be marching with fellow blind veterans at the Cenotaph this Remembrance Sunday, November 12. 

 “I am marching for all of those who can’t, for those we have lost and for our older veterans who are not able to walk to distance to pass on their respects. My brother will be marching alongside me and my Guide dog," he said.

Mr Cole volunteers at Blind Veterans UK and works at a 999 call centre since the charity enabled him to obtain an open university qualification. 

“Blind Veterans UK have given me so much; I have been involved in many sporting adventures over the years with them including rowing to the Isle of Scilly and I have made many great friends along the way who understand life after sight loss."

The Cenotaph in London, where David Cole will march. (Image: Yui Mok/PA)

Chief Executive of Blind Veterans UK, Adrian Bell said: “At Remembrance we commemorate the brave sacrifice of all those who lost their lives for their country. We also reflect on the huge challenges faced by veterans living with life-changing injuries from their time in service. 

“I’m proud to be marching alongside David and our contingent of over 40 blind veterans at the Cenotaph this year, and I know there will be many more attending moving ceremonies in communities up and down the country."

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq and 70 years since the end of the Korean War.

"With these in mind, we will be particularly thinking of all those tragically lost and wounded in these conflicts, and of their families," Mr Bell added.

For more information about Blind Veterans UK call 0800 389 7979 or visit blindveterans.org.uk/apply.