A military veteran has shared his harrowing experience of being blinded by a sniper while serving in Iraq back in 2006. Simon Brown, aged 46, suffered a gunshot wound to his face, with the bullet entering through his left cheek and exiting through the right. This traumatic incident led him into a coma, and he woke up 17 days later in a hospital in Birmingham.
Recalling the moment that changed his life, Simon, a corporal in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, remembered being on a rescue mission in a Warrior tank near Basra Palace when the sniper attack occurred. Despite the challenges, he and his team managed to handle the situation, but he ended up getting shot in the face as they tried to maneuver the vehicle out of danger.
Following the incident, Simon underwent multiple surgeries, including having his left eye removed and receiving metal plates in his face. Despite the physical and emotional toll, with the support of his family and the Royal British Legion (RBL), Simon was able to turn his life around. He even went on to become the mayor of his hometown in West Yorkshire, Morley.
Simon now shares his story to inspire other veterans facing similar challenges, emphasizing that there is always hope and support available. His journey from despair to resilience serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of those who have served in the armed forces.
