Prince William Visits St Dunstan’s Training and Rehabilitation Centre
Source: St Dunstan's
23 Feb 10
His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales has shown support for the UK’s blind ex-Service men and women with his attendance at the site of St Dunstan’s new training and rehabilitation Centre in Llandudno, Wales.
The Prince, who is currently serving in the Armed Forces, spent the day meeting some of the ex-Service personnel that the charity supports, trying his hand at a game of blind archery, and sampling a range of equipment and services that will be available at the new St Dunstan’s Centre.
The Prince joined military VIP guest General Sir Richard Dannatt, as well as local dignitaries such as the Mayor of Llandudno & Consort, Mrs Janet Jones, and the High Sheriff, as he visited the site of the new Centre. The Centre will provide state-of-the art rehabilitation, training and respite support for Service men and women from all over the United Kingdom, but particularly those from Wales.
The Prince spent time talking to some of the St Dunstan’s beneficiaries, including 31 year old Simon Brown, who was blinded by sniper fire while on a rescue mission in Iraq in 2006; and Craig Lundberg, who was hit by a rocket propelled grenade when trying to arrest insurgents in Iraq in 2007. Both told the Prince how
St Dunstan’s have helped them to rediscover their confidence and independence, after the onset of visual impairment.
Current conflicts around the world have seen a dramatic increase in the number of Service men and women requiring specialist assistance, putting the existing
St Dunstan’s Centres in Brighton and Sheffield under great pressure. The development of the Llandudno Centre is essential if St Dunstan’s is to help more ex-Service personnel in need of specialist support in ways which will provide the most benefit. Funding for the development of the existing building has been secured and work will commence there in the summer. St Dunstan’s will work as quickly as possible to open the facility and estimates a timescale of mid to late 2011.
St Dunstan’s Vice Patron General Sir Richard Dannatt said:
“We are delighted that the Prince has shown his support for St Dunstan’s and has had the opportunity to see firsthand the work we do. Young men and women from our Armed Forces whose sight has been damaged, as well as St Dunstaners who have Served and lost their sight in later life, will benefit hugely from the new Centre. Using the latest techniques and equipment available, the Centre will provide vital practical and emotional support to those struggling after losing their sight. There will also be sporting, social and training activities with a strong focus on rehabilitation.
St Dunstan’s offers a superb community spirit and camaraderie that are both so important in adjusting and going on to lead a fulfilling life.”
St Dunstaner Simon Brown said:
“When I was lying in hospital I didn’t know how I was going to cope. But thanks to the support and sense of belonging I received from the St Dunstan’s community, I’ve regained my confidence and am looking forward to a happy and independent future. As I get used to life without sight, it is comforting to know that I will be able to make use of the Centre in nearby Llandudno for my future training and recovery. The new Centre will mean St Dunstan’s will be able to reach out to many more blind veterans, so that they too can look forward to an independent future.”
Help St Dunstan's help more blind ex-Service men and women.
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