I nearly lost my sight in No10, hints Brown: Former Prime Minister announces he is to stand down as an MP in rare appearance with his young sons

Gordon Brown came close to losing his sight when he was in No 10, the former prime minister hinted last night.He made the admission in his Kirkcaldy constituency, as he confirmed he will not stand for re-election in May. Mr Brown said goodbye with his wife Sarah and young sons Fraser and John - as he did when leaving Downing Street in 2010.In a highly personal speech, he told of the pain the couple suffered when they lost their first child, Jennifer, shortly after her birth. He also revealed that problems with his eyesight in Downing Street were more serious than previously admitted. The former Labour leader suffered a serious rugby accident at the age of 16 which blinded him in one eye, and he required lengthy treatment to save the sight in the other.