Ex-soldier awarded British Empire Medal for volunteer work with Blind Veterans UK

John Hardy, a blind Army veteran from Somerset, has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the 2025 New Year Honours List for his dedicated volunteer work with Blind Veterans UK.

Mr Hardy, who lost his sight 10 years ago, almost discarded the letter notifying him of his award, mistaking it for a council tax bill.

"The letter nearly went in the bin, because I actually thought it was council tax," he recalled.

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Despite his initial disbelief, Mr Hardy expressed pride in the recognition, but more so in the impact of his work.

"I am proud, but I am proud of the work that I do. More so because there are so many people out there in need," he said.

After losing his sight, Mr Hardy had to find a new purpose in life, as his career was no longer an option.

"My career went out the window," he explained, emphasising the importance of finding something meaningful to do.

"It was really important to me to do something and be useful again."

As a volunteer, Mr Hardy helps other veterans through his work in the community.

"I run a community help here in Bridgwater, where blind veterans come in and use the time for training and development," he said.

He also frequently meets veterans facing sight loss, referring them to Blind Veterans UK to ensure they don't fall through the cracks.

"I've done a good few referrals to the support teams at Blind Veterans," he noted.

Hardy describes the experience of losing his sight as distressing. "Losing your sight, it's a whole new world to get used to," he said.

He admitted that, initially, he tried to carry on, but soon realised there were limitations to what he could do.

"I don't know whether it's bravado or stupidity, really."

However, when he became a member of Blind Veterans UK, he was able to meet other veterans and see how they were living day by day.

For Mr Hardy, the award is a recognition not only of his personal journey but also of the vital support Blind Veterans UK provides to vision-impaired ex-servicemen and women.

"It's really important that nobody slips through the net for no reason at all," he concluded.