Woman becomes first female standard bearer in charity's history

1 hour ago

Shannen HeadleyWest Midlands

Simy Martin carried the Blind Veterans UK standard at Remembrance commemorations after becoming the charity's first female standard bearer

Supplied Standard bearers stand outdoors holding the charity's blue ceremonial flags during training. The group is dressed in formal uniform, including berets, white gloves and medals, with Simy Martin positioned in the centre among the flag bearers. — Simy Martin carried the Blind Veterans UK standard at Remembrance commemorations after becoming the charity's first female standard bearer

A Sutton Coldfield veteran who lost her sight due to a rare eye condition is set to make history as the first female standard bearer in the history of a national charity.

Simy Martin, 59, carried the standard during Remembrance Sunday commemorations in Manchester for Blind Veterans UK.

It marks her first official duty in the ceremonial role and a milestone for the charity, which supports blind and vision-impaired veterans across the country.

The former soldier, who served in the Women's Royal Army Corps, said she felt "very proud" to represent the national charity for vision-impaired ex-service personnel.

Simy joined the Territorial Army band of the 5th Royal Regiment of Fusiliers at the age of 17 before going on to serve six years in the regular Army as a clerk.

After leaving the military, Simy worked as a firearms officer with the police before moving into nursing.

But her life changed dramatically in 2007 when she woke up while on holiday in India suffering from blurred and double vision.

Following months of medical investigations, she was diagnosed with a rare degenerative eye condition.

"I was only 40 at the time and was scared for my future," she said.

"My vision gradually got worse and I lost my driving licence which took away my independence. Eventually, while I was still in my 40s, I had to give up nursing which was the career I loved."

Simy now has very limited sight and says she can only make out large objects.

Simy Martin (centre) with fellow Blind Veterans UK members at Manchester's Remembrance Sunday commemorations

Blind Veterans UK A group of Blind Veterans UK members and supporters stand beside a war memorial covered with remembrance wreaths in Manchester. One member holds the charity's blue standard during a remembrance event while crowds gather in the background. — Simy Martin (centre) with fellow Blind Veterans UK members at Manchester's Remembrance Sunday commemorations

Charity transformed my life

Simy said carrying the standard on Remembrance Sunday would be a proud moment after months of training.

"The Standard itself is 9ft long and extremely heavy," she said. "I've been practising in my garden as I don't want to make any errors and let people down."

For the Army veteran, Remembrance also has a deeply personal meaning.

"I think about relatives who were in the wars, and my father, who is no longer with us," she said. "I'd like to think he'll be watching down from the clouds and feeling proud of me."

Simy, who was introduced to Blind Veterans UK last year, said the charity had "transformed" her life through rehabilitation, specialist equipment and emotional support.

She has learned new skills to help adapt to sight loss and returned to activities she once feared she would never do again, including sailing, archery and blind tennis.