Jodie Oddie ran the Edinburgh Half Marathon to raise funds for Sight Scotland Veterans after the charity helped her father James, a former RAF veteran, recover from a brain haemorrhage and stroke.
Life-changing event
James Oddie, 52, a former RAF air traffic control assistant, saw his life change overnight when a brain haemorrhage and stroke left him with sight loss, double vision and severe balance issues. After returning home from hospital, everyday tasks became overwhelming, leaving him isolated and unsure how to move forward.
Things began to change when he was referred to Sight Scotland Veterans through the Lothian Veterans Centre. With practical rehabilitation, specialist equipment and, crucially, someone to talk to, James slowly started to rebuild his confidence and independence.
Turning point at Linburn Centre
Since then, the support he has received has helped him regain his confidence and independence, with attending the Linburn Centre, in West Lothian, proving to be a real turning point. It has made such a difference that he recently felt able to return to work.
James explains: “In March of last year it was just a normal day, and then I suddenly couldn’t see. I managed to phone my partner before passing out and that is what probably saved my life. I was in hospital for three weeks. I had to learn to walk and see again. It was a long road.”
“I didn’t really know what life was going to be like. Everything had changed overnight and it really affected my mental health, I suddenly felt like I had to rely on others for everything and my confidence took a huge dip.”
Support that changed everything
“I was referred to Sight Scotland Veterans through the Lothian Veterans Centre, and that’s when things started to change for me. Just chatting to someone who understood what I was going through really made me feel like I wasn’t alone. It was life changing, really.
“Through their support, I’ve been introduced to visual aids, had better lighting put in at home, and received guidance to help manage everyday tasks. Just as importantly, I’ve had the chance to meet other veterans and get involved socially again.”
James now attends the Linburn Centre every week and says the difference it has made to him cannot be put into words, it has transformed his independence and confidence and even given him the strength to go back to work.
He said: “I was reluctant to go to the Linburn Centre at first. I didn’t know what to expect and felt nervous. But I decided to give it a go last summer, and I haven’t looked back.
“It has greatly improved my mental health and confidence, even giving me the strength to return to work in the postal service.
“It gives me somewhere I can be myself, surrounded by people who understand what I’ve been through. The staff and other veterans have been great, and I look forward to it every week.
“It has helped me get out, reconnect socially, and rebuild my confidence. I have tried all the activities; acoustic shooting, archery, woodwork, cooking. You are doing things you never dreamed you would be able to do again.
“I’m more independent now and less reliant on my partner, which means a lot. It showed me I’m still capable. It’s a fantastic place and a wonderful service for veterans like me. A year ago, I never imagined I’d be where I am today. Going to the centre has completely changed my life and given me the confidence to live again. It is incredible, and I owe it all to the support from the charity.”
Daughter's fundraising run
For his daughter Jodie, the support her father has received has been transformative. Wanting to give something back, she recently took on the Edinburgh Half Marathon, raising funds for Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans to say thank you to the people who supported her dad when he needed it most.
Jodie said: “When the stroke happened, it was such a shock. I just couldn’t believe it had happened. We were sitting in a room waiting for news and it didn’t feel real at all. It was so frightening.
“I had been speaking to him just a short time before, and within a couple of hours everything had changed. It was meant to be a normal Monday, but it really wasn’t.
“It’s been incredible to see the change in Dad. A year ago, I never imagined he’d be where he is now. He’s regained his independence, his confidence has returned, and it’s clear he’s enjoying life again. We truly feel it’s all thanks to the incredible help and support from Sight Scotland Veterans.
“This is why I chose to run the half marathon, to give something back to Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans for everything they have done for him. It truly feels like they have given him his life back. I wanted to raise money for the staff, volunteers and fellow veterans who have supported him every step of the way. It has meant so much to all of us.
“During the race, when I was tired or struggling a bit, I just thought about why I was doing it and who I was doing it for.
“I thought about everything my dad has been through and how hard he has worked to recover, and that really kept me going. I also thought about all the people who have sponsored me, and everyone who has helped my dad.
“I am so proud of him and proud to be raising money for these amazing charities.”
For more information visit sightscotland.org.uk
