A blind ex-serviceman and his mother are urging the families of other armed forces veterans to seek charitable support.

Iraq War veteran Darren Blanks, from Egremont, had his life turned upside down when he lost his sight to a rare eye condition.

But, with the support of Blind Veterans UK, the 30 year-old has regained some independence, obtained an IT qualification and carried the Olympic torch in 2012.

As Mother's Day approaches, his mum Jennifer Andrews, 53, is calling for more people to contact the charity for free help.

She said: "Darren’s illness was sudden so it was a shock for all the family. It was an emotional and difficult time. We had no idea how Darren was going to live his life but then Blind Veterans UK came along. The support he has received has been brilliant."

Darren, who signed up for the army at 16 in 2003, did two tours of Iraq in 2005 and 2007 and was discharged in March 2008.

He then worked as a postman but, aged just 23, he lost his sight to an inherited eye condition – Leber's optic neuropathy – as well as being diagnosed with a benign brain tumour and meningitis, which caused some hearing loss.

"One of the things I found hardest to accept with my sight loss is how dependant I felt on other people," said Darren.

"I'd had to leave my job and had recently become a father, and felt like I couldn’t even be useful around the house the way I wanted to be. I thought that was going to be my lot in life."

But, since 2011, Darren has received support from Blind Veterans UK, after a family member heard about the charity.

He was given free specialist equipment, including a cooker to support him in the kitchen and a specially adapted mobile phone, and now volunteers as a regional representative, helping other veterans.

"The support from Blind Veterans UK has increased my confidence and I’ve gone on to achieve so much more than I imagined when I first lost my sight," he said.

"As well as supporting me to achieve an IT qualification, I’ve even learned to ski.

"The best thing the charity can do is introduce you to other veterans who've been through what you have."

Alongside volunteering, Darren has completed fundraising challenges for the charity. These include two 100km walks and the London Marathon, which he will run for a second time next month.

His mum said: "The charity has given him so many opportunities and we're all so grateful. If you are a mother with a veteran son, like mine, dealing with sight loss, give the charity a call."

Blind Veterans UK estimates there could be up to 500 ex-servicemen in Cumbria eligible to specialist support.

To contact the charity, call 0800 389 7979 or visit noonealone.org.uk .