A blind, 89-year-old veteran from Royal Wootton Bassett is set to march at the Cenotaph in London this Remembrance Sunday.

Ruth Warren will join more than 40 other vision-impaired ex-service men and women supported by Blind Veteran UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-service men and women, as part of the national commemoration on November 10.

Having joined the Royal Auxiliary Air Force in 1953, she served for 14 and a half years.

She initially served as a fighter plotter at RAF Fazakerley with the 3611 fighter control unit, before returning to civilian life.

Ruth WarrenRuth Warren (Image: Blind Veterans UK)

Ms Warren later re-joined a newly formed defence force at RAF Lyneham, serving in intelligence and as a medic.

She said: "The memory that sticks out to me most is standing on parade at RAF Benson and meeting the late Queen as she walked around us.

"I was so overwhelmed I could barely form a sentence but it was a real honour to meet such a beautiful and special person."

In later life, Ms Warren began to lose her sight due to macular degeneration in both eyes.

She said: "I can only describe it like someone was turning the lights down on my sight.

"I was so lost and panic-stricken. I felt useless. Suddenly I couldn’t drive anymore and I couldn’t cook without cutting or burning myself.

"Life had become so much more difficult."

Ms Warren found out about Blind Veterans UK and started receiving support from the charity.

She said: "I went on my introductory week with the charity which changed everything. I went in with zero confidence and no desire to do anything.

"I came out a completely different person. I can’t speak highly enough of them. They built me back up and got me my confidence back."

Speaking about her feelings ahead of Remembrance Sunday, she said: "It’s the most wonderful feeling. A mixture of trepidation and excitement.

"I feel so proud to be marching with Blind Veterans UK as they have become such a major part of my life.

“I’ll be remembering my late father who served in the Merchant Navy Atlantic Convoys during the Second World War, and my father-in-law and uncle who both served in the army.

"It’s such an important time of year because we can come together as a nation and show appreciation for all of those who laid down their lives for us.”

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