Blind Hull veteran to march at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday
PROUD: Andy Cottrell
By Rick Lyon
A blind veteran from Hull is set to march at the Cenotaph in London with the charity Blind Veterans UK this Remembrance Sunday.
Andy Cottrell, 60, from Sutton-on-Hull, will be marching at the Cenotaph as part of the national Remembrance Sunday commemorations with more than 40 other blind veterans supported by Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-service men and women.
Andy joined the Royal Signals as a junior soldier in 1979. During his time in service, he trained to become a telecommunications mechanic, as well as an aerial rigger. He served in Cyprus and York before leaving the Army in 1984.
“I really enjoyed my time in service,” he said. “The main thing I took away were friendships which have lasted to this day. I joined at 16-and-a-half so it was a brilliant life experience for me too.”
Andy started to lose his sight 10 years ago due to progression in his diabetes. This caused high pressure glaucoma and his sight gradually declined. He was told he was severely vision impaired in 2020 and that he wouldn’t be able to drive again.
Andy found out about Blind Veterans UK and started receiving support from the charity that year.
He said: “Blind Veterans UK have been a great support to me, especially during the lockdowns. There were regular telephone contacts and lots of virtual group calls. I’ve been able to talk to other blind veterans over Microsoft Teams which has been great for me to talk to people similar to myself, we understand each other.
“It’s also great to be able to hear about all the different things that other blind veterans have done since losing their sight. I’ve been inspired and started learning the guitar and have started a group with another veteran and a staff member, so we can learn together.
“I’m so grateful for what the charity has given me that my wife and I have signed up to volunteer as home visitors to help other blind veterans. I want to give something back.”
Ahead of Sunday, he said: “I was so proud to be marching for the first time last year and still remember the amazing response our group of blind veterans got from the crowds.
“That was in a year when things had been scaled back due to Covid, so I can’t imagine what it will be like this year.”
Chief Executive of Blind Veterans UK, Major General (Rtd) Nick Caplin CB, said: “Remembrance Sunday is a very poignant time for our blind veterans as we reflect on the sacrifice and service of all members of the Armed Forces.
“This will be a special Remembrance Sunday as not only will it be a return to normality for the first time since the pandemic, but it will also be the first Remembrance since the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“As our former Patron and our Commander in Chief, Her Majesty held a very important place in the hearts of all members of Blind Veterans UK who have served their country in her name, and she will be uppermost in our thoughts at this time.”