News
Prince William meets visually impaired service personnel in Wales
22nd February 2010
Prince William visited a centre for blind and partially-sighted former service personnel during a visit to North Wales today.
At the St Dunstan's centre in Llandudno, The Prince met a number of former servicemen who have lost their sight.
Simon Brown, 31, from Morley in West Yorkshire was blinded by sniper fire while on a rescue mission in Iraq in 2006.
He showed The Prince his glass eye with the Union flag printed on it.
Simon 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."
Prince William also took part in some blind archery, under the instruction of former Welsh Guardsman, Clive Jones.
The 35-year-old from Market Drayton in Shropshire lost the sight in both eyes when he was assaulted while off duty.
He learned archery as part of his rehabilitation with St Dunstan's and he has won several national competitions for his category of disability.
Using an adapted bow and a special tripod he hit the target with all his arrows.
Prince William was given a blindfold to wear, but he missed the target each time - and even with the glasses off he was still out of luck.
"I'm going to give up now before it gets too embarrassing," Prince William said.
Clive said: "The Prince was great, he really gave it a good go. He was very easy to talk to and I'm sure he'll make a good shot with practice."