Veteran shot in the face by sniper joins campaigners calling for a 'generational shift' in support

· Forces News
Simon Brown was shot in the face by a sniper while taking part in a rescue mission in Iraq in 2006 (Picture: Blind Veterans UK)

A British Army veteran who was blinded after being shot in the face by a sniper has joined Armed Forces campaigner Antony Cotton in delivering a letter to Downing Street calling for a generational shift in the way veterans are supported.

Simon 'Si' Brown is part of a Help for Heroes delegation handing in the open letter addressed to the Prime Minister, which has attracted more than 60,000 signatures from military leaders, celebrities and supporters.

It calls on Andy Burnham to support its People's Promise to Veterans, a campaign launched by the charity that urges better healthcare, financial security, consistent regional support, and a stronger societal duty to those who have served in the Armed Forces.

Signatures for the open letter, which will be delivered ahead of Remembrance Sunday, so far include former Head of the British Army, General Lord Richard Dannatt, Andy McNab and Sir Mark Cavendish.

'Britain must remember its promise to veterans all year round'

A former corporal and vehicle mechanic in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), Mr Brown was on his second tour of Iraq in 2006 when he was called to rescue a stranded vehicle with a crew of six on board, who had come under fire from insurgents.

During the mission in Basra, he was shot in the face by a sniper. The bullet entered his left cheek and exited the other side.

Placed into an induced coma, he was airlifted back to the UK for life-saving treatment at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham.

When he woke up 17 days later, he had lost his left eye and was left with around 20% vision in the other.

Mr Brown joined the British Army in 1997 (Picture: Simon Brown)

"Britain remembers its veterans every November, but it must keep its promise to them and their families all year round," said Mr Brown.

"Many veterans, particularly those injured while serving, still struggle to locate and access the quality healthcare, financial security and support they need and deserve.

"As a nation, we have made a promise through the Armed Forces Covenant that no one would be disadvantaged because they served our nation. We must do a better job of delivering this promise.

"With the unrest in the world, we must let those who serve know they and their families will be valued," the 47-year-old added.

Joining him at Downing Street will be actor and Help for Heroes patron Antony Cotton, who has long been an advocate for Armed Forces personnel, military families, and veterans.

Mr Cotton said: "I am supporting the People's Promise to veterans because our Armed Forces community, especially our veterans, are the backbone of this great nation and we owe them a huge amount.

"Those who have served our country should be able to access the support that they need to live well after service."

'The time is now'

As global tensions rise, the charity feels a need to invest in "the people who keep us safe", which includes "highly skilled, resilient veterans who will be among the first to answer the call if the nation needs to defend itself".

James Needham, CEO of Help for Heroes, said: "Prime Minister, the United Kingdom promised that no veteran should be disadvantaged because of their service.

"We believe now is the time to honour that commitment. We urge you to support the People's Promise, implement its findings, and build a society where all veterans and their families can live well after service."

You can sign the open letter by following this link.