BLIND veterans from Hampshire will be taking part in the Remembrance Sunday march in London, representing the charity Blind Veterans UK.

Bob Strickland, from Fareham, and Audrey Brooks, from Romsey, will be among more than 100 veterans in the contingent marching to the Cenotaph to remember fallen comrades.

Bob, 76, was called up for national service in 1955 and joined the Royal Artillery. Shortly after, he volunteered to join the 33rd Parachute Field Regiment and signed up for another year.

During his time in the Army, Bob served in Cyprus, Aden and Egypt.

After leaving in 1958, he spent five years as a reservist before leaving the military altogether to work as a cartographer, making maps.

“It’s a wonderful feeling taking part in Remembrance Sunday,” he said.

“Surrounded by other veterans, you’re instantly taken back to your youth and the memories of your time in service.

“The crowds are terrific and we march with pride – I look forward to it every year.”

Bob lost his sight, which was caused by bilateral optic atropathy, while working and discovered that he was eligible for free and comprehensive support from Blind Veterans UK.

Audrey, 91, served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service – known as the Wrens – during the Second World War.

She said: “Most of my family have served at one time or another and so we understand just how important Remembrance Sunday is – my brother was in the Navy at the same time as me, my granddaughter was in the Army for three years and my greatgranddaughter is married to a man in the RAF who’s served in Afghanistan.

“The atmosphere on Remembrance Sunday is always absolutely amazing. The applause Blind Veterans UK’s contingent received from the crowd last year was w o n - derful, but i t ’ s t h e quiet moments I remember most of all.”

For the past 14 years, Audrey has suffered from age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma and is now registered blind.

Since 2003, she has received free support from Blind Veterans UK to help her live independently.

If you know someone who served in the armed forces or national service who now suffers with sight loss, from any reason, visit noonealone.org.uk or call 0800 389 7979.