Jarrow MP's support for Armed Forces sight-loss charity

He met lifelong friend Colin Williamson, a former Banks of the Tyne Sunday League football teammate from Hebburn, at the reception in the House of Commons.

The event was organised by Blind Veterans UK, the charity for vision impaired ex-servicemen and women, to raise awareness and to encourage local authorities to reach out to more veterans so that they can access the charity’s free services and support.

The support call came after it was found that of the 4,000+ veterans Blind Veterans UK supports, almost a quarter of these struggled with sight loss for many years before they found out about the charity.

Mr Hepburn said: “As the MP for Jarrow, I am pleased to pledge my support to Blind Veterans UK by helping to ensure that no veterans in my constituency will have to battle blindness alone.

“It was a pleasure to meet up with Colin who is an old Sunday league football mate of mine when we played to and catch up on old times.

“It is vital we all work to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and make sure everyone who comes into contact with blind ex-servicemen and women signpost them to Blind Veterans UK for free, lifelong support.”

Major General Nick Caplin, Blind Veterans UK’s chief executive, said: “We want as many MPs, local authorities and health networks as possible to work in partnership with us so we can reach out to the many veterans in need of our support.”

For more information, go to www.noonealone.org.uk or call freephone 0800 389 7979.