Ray Hazan – President of St Dunstan’s, has been made an OBE in the New Year Honours List
03 Jan 12
Ray Hazan – President of St Dunstan’s, the national charity for blind ex-servicemen and women has been made an OBE in the New Year Honours List.
66 year old Ray Hazan learned of St Dunstan’s after being blinded in 1973 by an IRA parcel bomb in Northern Ireland. His colleague was killed by the blast in which Ray also suffered severe hearing loss and lost his right hand. Soon after losing his sight, Ray was put in touch with St Dunstan’s, which marked the beginning of an inspirational journey.
Ray said: ‘When I lost my sight, I felt helpless, I was unable to do many of the everyday things I’d taken for granted with sight. I was visited by a member of the St Dunstan’s team, who gave me a tactile watch and taught me to tell the time through touch. It was this practical support which for the first time made me realise I could regain independence – it was something to live for. I still remember my first day at St Dunstan’s, I heard the chatter and laughter of other St Dunstan’s beneficiaries, the positive attitude of those I met made me realise that blindness was not so bad and that I could go on to lead a fulfilling life just as they had.”
In 1977 Ray joined the staff of St Dunstan's. He first worked in public relations and then the welfare team for the organisation. He went on to be elected as a member of St Dunstan's Council in October 1998 and President of St Dunstan's in October 2004. In October 2006, he was elected Vice President of the International Congress of War Blind Organisations, a position he still holds.
Speaking of being made an OBE, Ray said: “It is a great privilege and pleasure to be recognised in this way. I pay tribute to all those who have supported me over the years".
As President, Ray regularly gives talks to new St Dunstan’s beneficiaries still coming to terms with blindness. Through this, and one to one contact with many blind and visually impaired veterans he is able to offer the support and camaraderie he so valued when first he became a St Dunstan’s beneficiary. Although he would not admit it himself, many veterans look to him as an example of what can be achieved and he is an inspiration to them.
Robert Leader, St Dunstan’s Chief Executive said:”I know that the whole of St Dunstan’s and the wider sight-loss community will rejoice at this very well deserved honour for our President.”
