BBS supports and provides the opportunity for people with a visual impairment to participate in sport and is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Quilter, who was born in Brighton, only has peripheral vision after developing Stargardt's disease at the age of 10.

The 32-year-old Briton took the bronze medal in the under 60 kilogram men's category at London 2012 despite snapping the cruciate ligament and rupturing the medial ligaments in his knee just seven weeks before the Games.

He finished fifth at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics before claiming the double visually impaired World Championship and visually impaired European Championship titles in 2010 and 2011 respectively.

He also won gold at the 2011 World Games in Turkey before taking the decision to retire in December 2013, citing the birth of his first child as one of the main reasons.

Ben Quilter (left) won the men's under 60kg bronze medal match at London 2012
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"As a BBS patron, I am looking forward to the opportunity to extend my support and positivity to all visually impaired children that the charity helps," said Quilter.

"BBS does such great work to help children and adults gain positive sporting experiences.

"Joining them in their 40th year is a proud achievement for me."

Quilter remains heavily involved with disability sport, having been elected to the ParalympicsGB Athletes' Commission in November 2013 and taken up the role of disability sport officer with leisure operator Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL).

He has also dedicated himself to motivational speaking and mentors athletes at the visually impaired European Championships.

BBS chief executive, Alaina MacGregor, said: "In this our 40th anniversary year, we are delighted that Ben has joined us as a patron. 

"He is an excellent role model for every visually impaired young person who aspires to achieve in their chosen sport."

The BBS prides itself on "making a visible difference through sport" and encourages adults and children to participate in activities at all levels from grassroots to the Paralympic Games.

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