A former Army officer and MP has praised a military charity for making his life "much easier and better".

John Cockcroft, 81, from Chelmsford, has received support from Blind Veterans UK after his sight deteriorated in 2006. was commissioned into the Royal Artillery for National Service in June 1953.

Having to choose at a young age between carrying on his studies or doing his National Service, John chose the latter, doing what he felt was his duty, despite it being easy at that time to avoid undertaking National Service duties.

John said: “Originally I was supposed to complete 18 months in the Royal Artillery but it was extended to two years. During that time I have fond memories of the camaraderie and my particular highlight was the passing out parade after my officer training.

Following his time in the Royal Artillery, John joined the Territorial Army (TA), extending his time in service by a further three-and-a-half years. He enjoyed his time in the TA as it was very social.

After leaving the Army, John returned to his studies.

He completed his higher education at the University of Cambridge in 1958 and went on to work in various senior roles as an economist and journalist. John worked at places including the Treasury, GKN and The Telegraph, before becoming a Member of Parliament for five years.

John has recently written a memoir based on his life.

In it he fondly recalls his time serving as the MP for Nantwich from 1974 until 1979.

His time in Parliament saw him sit on the Nationalised Industries Select Committee and he was part of the Council European Movement.

Before he was in Parliament was also the Economics Editor at The Daily Telegraph for seven years.

Following his parliamentary career, John returned to working in business, in mergers and acquisitions in the City of London and as a non-executive director of British Rail Eastern Region.

In 2004, after he had retired, John began to notice that his sight was deteriorating, especially in his left eye.

Over the next two years, the effects of age-related macular degeneration meant that John was left with no central vision in either of his eyes.

It was fortunate therefore, that after speaking to another beneficiary of the charity, he decided to contact Blind Veterans UK for support in June 2006.

John said: “Blind Veterans UK has been brilliant. I was upset that macular degeneration had robbed me of my ability to read for pleasure, something I had enjoyed doing all my life up until around nine years ago.

“With the support of Blind Veterans UK though I am able to still enjoy life. The social events and equipment they have provided for me has really made a life beyond sight loss possible. They do a lot for all the veterans they support.”

The equipment Blind Veterans UK has provided John with include a talking watch, talking CDs and a CCTV machine which magnifies text to allow him to read letters, books and other text.

John has also spoken very highly of the social events organised by Blind Veterans UK. There are frequent social events in Essex, as well as an annual reunion event.

At the last of these reunion events, which was held in a village near Cambridge, John was chosen as a speaker.

John said: “I really enjoyed the last reunion event. I got the opportunity to be a speaker and it was a great opportunity to thank Blind Veterans UK for all it does for me and for the other veterans in the area.”

John is also full of praise for his Blind Veterans UK welfare officer. John said: “My Blind Veterans UK welfare officer Jennie is superb! It is Jennie who organises the events I attend and I know many of the veterans really rely on her support, all the more so if they are widowed or living alone.

“For me she has been instrumental in getting me my equipment and allowing me to retain my independence. The welfare officers are very friendly and knowledgeable and really help veterans live with sight loss.”

Blind Veterans UK plays an important role in helping blind and vision impaired ex-Service men and women, like John, to adjust to life with sight loss and live full, independent lives.

The charity provides equipment, training, rehabilitation and emotional support through its centres in Brighton, Sheffield and Llandudno, and a network of welfare officers around the UK.

Regardless of how a veteran lost their sight or when they served, Blind Veterans UK will provide free, lifelong support to them and their families to help them discover life beyond sight loss.

Find out more at: www.noonealone.org.uk or telephone: 0800 389 7979.