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'Gift a Wreath' campaign launched

Published on 9 Jun 2023

Remembrance is a special time of year for veterans, their families and those in active service. Every November, blind veterans, charity staff, and volunteers come together to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

On Remembrance Sunday, we support our blind veterans in making the journey to London to march past the Cenotaph but many veterans choose to mark the important occasion at events closer to home.

We provide wreaths to these veterans so they too can play an active part in Remembrance.

Blind Veteran Jim stood in his garden wearing a poppy and displaying his medals. He is holding his white cane and his poppy wreath.
Blind veteran Jim ready to lay his wreath

Last year we invited local organisations to ‘Gift a Wreath’ to be laid by blind veterans and we're once again calling out to supporters to take part in our campaign.

A suggested donation of £200 will enable a blind veteran to take part in Remembrance in their local community. It will also ensure our veterans are able to continue receiving vital support to help them lead independent and fulfilling lives.

Blind veteran Jim, who is 82 and from Rustington, served in the Army for 37 years. Last year he laid a wreath at the Rustington War Memorial in West Sussex that had been funded by the ‘Gift a Wreath’ campaign.

“It’s very important for me to pay my respects as so many people through the ages have lost their lives in a bid to defend our freedom. I was incredibly proud to lay a wreath on behalf of my fellow blind veterans and on behalf of the charity who have done so much for me.”
Jim
Blind veteran

Noeline, who is 71 and from Caerphilly in Mid Glamorgan, laid a wreath last year at the Ynysangharad War Memorial Park in Pontypridd, South Wales. Noeline is hoping to lay a wreath again this year.

“It meant the world to me to lay a wreath for Remembrance, representing all the blind veterans who have gone before me and those who are supported by the charity now. I felt truly humbled by the experience and want to say a great big thank you ‘diolch yn fawr’ to those who gifted wreaths and made it possible for veterans like me to do this; I hope they know how appreciated they are.”
Noeline wearing Blind Veterans UK t-shirt stood in her garden holding her cane
Noeline
Blind veteran

Organisations that gift a wreath will have their name and logo added to the wreath and a tribute message will be added to our ‘Gift a Wreath’ page on the website.

Would you like to support our 'Gift a Wreath' campaign?

Click here to find out more