A NATIONAL Service veteran has discovered a new love for cooking after receiving support from a national military charity.

Brian Davies' life was transformed when he got in touch with Blind Veterans UK after a visit to his local Specsavers opticians.

For the previous 58 years, the 84-year-old had been cooked for by his late wife, Joan, but now he is able to cook independently at home thanks to the charity's support.

Mr Davies, of Middlesbrough, joined the Auxiliary Air Force part time while he was an apprentice engineer in 1950, where he worked on developing the jet engine, meaning that his call up to National Service was delayed because of the importance of his work.

At 25, he joined the RAF as an engine mechanic and was stationed around the UK during his two years before being discharged in 1957.

Some 20 years after leaving, he began to notice his eyesight deteriorating in his left eye and he was left with just peripheral vision. Another 20 years on, a blood vessel ruptured in his right eye, robbing him of his remaining sight.

After the recommendation from the opticians, he visited the charity’s service centre in Sheffield, where he has received specialist equipment, training and emotional support to help him relearn vital life skills, including being able to get back in the kitchen again - one of the main things that he has missed since losing his sight.

Mr Davies said: “I’ve done all sorts of training, I’ve learned how to use a computer and they’ve taught me to use a white cane properly. They’ve fitted me out with all kinds of gadgets, and I’ve just been for a week of training at the Sheffield centre to help me in the kitchen.

“I’ve definitely improved in the kitchen. I was getting a bit fed up with microwave cooking all of the time. Now, I’ve become a lot more confident and I can cook properly again.”

If you, or someone you know, are an ex-Service man or woman now battling severe sight loss, contact Blind Veterans UK for free, lifelong support by calling 0800-389-7979 or call www.noonealone.org.uk