THE granddaughter of a Prudhoe Army veteran is urging those suffering from sight loss after serving in the armed forces to seek support.

Chloë Costello (18) is encouraging those in similar situations to her grandad, Ian Henderson, to get in touch with Blind Veterans UK.

Ian (78) joined the Army in 1960 for his National Service and served in the Royal Corps of Transport.

He spent part of his service in Germany, before being demobbed in 1962. In 1976, Ian realised he missed Army life and joined the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) as a reserve.

Ian was diagnosed with glaucoma as a young man and received injection treatments which worked in one eye.

In the 1980s, Ian lost his good eye following a work accident at his family timber company.

The sight in his remaining eye continued to deteriorate due to glaucoma and cataracts, meaning he now has very minimal vision.

Chloë, who lives in Corbridge, said: “It was really sad for us when grandad lost his sight because the simple things he used to enjoy, like watching the football or reading the paper, suddenly became a real struggle.”

But since 2016, Ian has been receiving support from Blind Veterans UK.

He has received IT training and a tablet with special software for those who are vision-impaired to help him keep in touch with his grandchildren.

Ian has also discovered a new love of art and craft through the charity.

“I’d always fancied doing something creative, but I never had the chance before I lost my sight,” he said.

“The staff at Blind Veterans UK showed me how to make mosaics and gave me the equipment to set up a little workshop at home.

“I’ve got eight grandchildren and some of them have got involved with my art projects. It’s something we can all enjoy together.”

Blind Veterans UK estimates there are more than 400 ex-servicemen and women battling severe sight loss in Northumberland who could be eligible for support, but do not realise it.

Those who served in the armed forces or did National Service, and are now suffering from sight loss, can contact Blind Veterans UK on 0800 389 7979 or visit blindveterans.org.uk