As the UK marks Armed Forces Week, Sight Scotland Veterans is celebrating the resilience of veterans like James Oddie, whose life was turned upside down by a sudden stroke before specialist support helped him regain his independence and confidence.
James, 52, from Dalkeith, served as an RAF air traffic control assistant. In March last year, a brain haemorrhage and stroke left him with sight loss, double vision and severe balance problems, changing his life overnight.
After three weeks in hospital, James returned home facing an uncertain future. Everyday tasks became difficult, his confidence plummeted and he found himself relying on others in ways he never had before.
"I had to learn to walk and see again"
Reflecting on the day that changed everything, James said:
"In March of last year it was just a normal day, and then I suddenly couldn't see. I managed to phone my partner before passing out and that is what probably saved my life. I was in hospital for three weeks. I had to learn to walk and see again. It was a long road."
The impact extended beyond his physical health.
"I didn't really know what life was going to be like. Everything had changed overnight and it really affected my mental health. I suddenly felt like I had to rely on others for everything and my confidence took a huge dip."
Rebuilding independence after sight loss
Things began to change when James was referred to Sight Scotland Veterans through the Lothian Veterans Centre.
Through specialist rehabilitation support for veterans living with sight loss, James received practical advice, visual aids and adaptations to help him navigate daily life more independently. He was also introduced to other veterans who understood the challenges he was facing.
James said:
"I was referred to Sight Scotland Veterans through the Lothian Veterans Centre, and that's when things started to change for me. Just chatting to someone who understood what I was going through really made me feel like I wasn't alone. It was life changing, really."
He added:
"Through their support, I've been introduced to visual aids, had better lighting put in at home, and received guidance to help manage everyday tasks. Just as importantly, I've had the chance to meet other veterans and get involved socially again."
A turning point at the Linburn Centre
A major turning point in James's recovery came when he began attending the Linburn Centre.
Initially unsure about attending, he decided to give it a try and quickly discovered a welcoming community where he could connect with other veterans, learn new skills and rebuild his confidence.
James said:
"I was reluctant to go to the Linburn Centre at first. I didn't know what to expect and felt nervous. But I decided to give it a go last summer, and I haven't looked back."
The impact on his wellbeing was significant.
"It has greatly improved my mental health and confidence, even giving me the strength to return to work in the postal service."
Today, James attends the centre every week and takes part in a range of activities including acoustic shooting, archery, woodwork and cooking.
"It gives me somewhere I can be myself, surrounded by people who understand what I've been through. The staff and other veterans have been great, and I look forward to it every week. It has helped me get out, reconnect socially, and rebuild my confidence."
He added:
"I have tried all the activities; acoustic shooting, archery, woodwork, cooking. You are doing things you never dreamed you would be able to do again."
Returning to work and looking ahead
The support James has received has helped him regain control of his life, strengthen his independence and return to employment.
"I'm more independent now and less reliant on my partner, which means a lot. It showed me I'm still capable."
Looking back on the past year, he says the difference has been remarkable.
"It's a fantastic place and a wonderful service for veterans like me. A year ago, I never imagined I'd be where I am today. Going to the centre has completely changed my life and given me the confidence to live again. It is incredible, and I owe it all to the support from the charity."
"I was reluctant to go to the Linburn Centre at first... But I decided to give it a go last summer, and I haven't looked back. It has greatly improved my mental health and confidence, even giving me the strength to return to work in the postal service."
"It gives me somewhere I can be myself, surrounded by people who understand what I've been through. The staff and other veterans have been great, and I look forward to it every week. It has helped me get out, reconnect socially, and rebuild my confidence."
Daughter Jodie runs to say thank you
For James's daughter, Jodie, seeing her father's recovery has been extraordinary.
Wanting to give something back to the charity that supported him, she recently took on the Edinburgh Half Marathon to raise funds for Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans.
Recalling the day her father's stroke happened, she said:
"When the stroke happened, it was such a shock. I just couldn't believe it had happened. We were sitting in a room waiting for news and it didn't feel real at all. It was so frightening"
She added:
"I had been speaking to him just a short time before, and within a couple of hours everything had changed. It was meant to be a normal Monday, but it really wasn't."
Jodie says the transformation she has witnessed over the past year has been incredible.
"It's been incredible to see the change in Dad. A year ago, I never imagined he'd be where he is now. He's regained his independence, his confidence has returned, and it's clear he's enjoying life again."
She believes the support he received made all the difference.
"We truly feel it's all thanks to the incredible help and support from Sight Scotland Veterans."
Explaining why she took on the challenge, Jodie said:
"This is why I chose to run the half marathon, to give something back to Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans for everything they have done for him. It truly feels like they have given him his life back. I wanted to raise money for the staff, volunteers and fellow veterans who have supported him every step of the way. It has meant so much to all of us."
Throughout the race, thoughts of her father kept her motivated.
"During the race, when I was tired or struggling a bit, I just thought about why I was doing it and who I was doing it for. I thought about everything my dad has been through and how hard he has worked to recover, and that really kept me going.
"I also thought about all the people who have sponsored me, and everyone who has helped my dad. I am so proud of him and proud to be raising money for these amazing charities."
Summing up her motivation, Jodie said:
"People say that when you sign up for a marathon, it is important to have a reason for doing it, and my reason was my dad."
As Armed Forces Week celebrates the service and sacrifice of the UK's Armed Forces community, James's story highlights the life-changing impact specialist support can have on veterans adapting to sight loss and rebuilding their lives after trauma.
Where to find support
If you're a veteran with experience of sight loss or a visual impairment, we can provide support to help you navigate life, make connections, and maintain your independence.
Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help.
Our freephone Information Line is open Monday to Thursday 10am to 4pm and on Friday 10am to 3pm.
Call us now on 0800 035 6409.
Our Centres
Find out about our two activity hubs for veterans with sight loss: the Linburn Centre and the Hawkhead Centre.
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