New sight loss centre is hailed as a lifeline
Hawkhead base officially opened by Duke of Gloucester
A life- changing service for veterans with sight loss in Paisley was officially opened yesterday.
Scottish War Blinded’s Hawkhead Centre opened its doors in October last year and supports around 120 visually impaired ex-service men and women.
The charity’s patron, HRH the Duke of Gloucester, visited Paisley to officially open the day centre and meet some of the veterans who’ve been helped by the services on offer.
One of the veterans who has had his life turned around is Paisley man Michael Gray.
Michael served in the Royal Navy for four years but was forced to leave aged just 19 when he sustained a head injury that caused him to lose the sight in one eye.
He went on to have a 40-year career as an IT consultant but started to struggle with his health when he retired.
Michael, 66, said: “I was suffering very badly from asthma and I am arthritic in both knees so my mobility was poor.
“I was stuck at home on my own and my wife was doing everything for me.
“Getting out of the house was a real challenge and I wasn’t meeting any other people.
“It affects you because you get sick of your own company and it affects how you feel about yourself.
“I was used to being creative on a daily basis and I really missed that.
“Since joining Scottish War Blinded I’ve been on a 12- week fitness programme and it has transformed my health.
“I was leading such a sedentary lifestyle that my breathing was getting shallower without me noticing.
“The instructor started me off slowly and we started working on my core strength by doing weights while I was seated and I began walking up and down the centre.
“My breathing has improved a huge amount and now I can even go into town on my own – I just bench hop around.
“It’s great because I can talk over any worries I have about my breathing with the instructors and they tell you what’s normal and encourage you to keep it up.
“I feel much more positive and motivated and my wife is much less worried about me now.
“I think taking part in activities at the centre inspires you to do more at home.
“I can’t speak highly enough of the staff here and I can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done for me.”
His Royal Highness, who is the Queen’s cousin, toured the centre yesterday and met Scottish War Blinded members before unveiling a special plaque to commemorate the occasion.
Representatives from the Scottish veterans sector attended were treated to a performance from the West of Scotland Military Wives Choir.
Scottish War Blinded chief executive, Mark O’Donnell, said: “We were delighted to welcome our patron, His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, to officially open the Hawkhead Centre.
“With the number of people living with sight loss in Scotland expected to double by 2050 in line with population ageing, the Hawkhead Centre provides a vital service for veterans with sight loss here in Renfrewshire.”
The centre provides specialist support for ex- service men and women of all ages and abilities, no matter how they lost their sight.
It includes an IT suite, kitchen, woodwork, art studios and a fitness centre.
Hawkhead Centre manager, Sally Ross, said: “It was a privilege to welcome His Royal Highness to the Hawkhead Centre to meet our team and members.
“The interest shown amongst the members of Scottish War Blinded in attending the centre has been amazing and the staff team have responded to that demand with determination and hard work.
“We look forward to building up the attendance at the centre and to providing a high quality service to veterans with a visual impairment.”
If you or someone you know could benefit from Scottish War Blinded’s activities and support, call them on 0800 035 6409 or contact us online at www.scottishwarblinded.org