Who’s got a head for heights?

The world’s fastest seated zipwire beckons for the bravest Sight Cymru supporters as they Zip4Sight this June.

On Saturday 13th July 2024, Sight Cymru staff and volunteers are braving the 920m long, 70MPH zipwire at Tower Colliery in Aberdare, in a bid to raise vital funds for people with sight loss across South Wales.

Who will go first?

Who will zip fastest?

Who will bottle it at the last minute and have to climb down the steps of shame?

Join us or sponsor us on this hair-raising challenge by contacting Julie Thomas via Julie.thomas@sightcymru.org.uk, call 01495 763650 or visit justgiving.com/zip4sight

Case Story:

Mr Thomas is his late 70’s and lives with his wife. He has had Glaucoma for a few years; however, he lost a large proportion of his functioning vision due to a failed cataracts operation. When we first assessment Mr Thomas he stated "Six months ago I could see but after the operation that was the end of it. Done!”. Mr Thomas was registered as SSI and was told he would no longer be able to hold a driving license.

The sudden loss of vision had a huge physiological impact on Mr Thomas. He expressed how he no longer went outdoors much and if he did, he would require the support of this wife or family. Mr Thomas was now unable to do the things he took pride in and enjoyed such as driving, socialising with friends and tending to his allotment. Before he retired Mr Thomas drove large roller tankers at a steelwork. In his own words he now felt like “a shadow of the person he was”.

Mr Thomas experienced difficulties with daily tasks such as not being able to make himself a hot drink without risk of burning himself, being able to self-medicate and being able to visit the local shop for this newspaper. Mr Thomas expressed feelings of depression, isolation and low self-esteem. His wife was also very concerned for his safety and mental health. So much so, they were contemplating cancelling their last cruise holiday they had booked and had been planning for years.

Further to some emotional support and guidance Mr Thomas was happy to except rehabilitation support. First, we completed kitchen skills training so that Mr Thomas felt safe and confident in making himself (and others) hot drinks. We explored different techniques and aids to support Mr Thomas with his medication. This training had an impact on his mindset, further to discovering he could complete tasks through adapted methods Mr Thomas began to become more positive and was keen to look at other skills he could regain.

Human guiding training was provided to Mr Thomas and his wife. Mrs Thomas is now able to guide Mr Thomas with confidence in unfamiliar areas and has more knowledge on how she can discreetly support him.

Mr Thomas was aware that he could benefit from using a long cane, however at first, he was very reluctant. As soon as he realised the independence that he could regain Mr Thomas was willing to undertake mobility training. Mr Thomas was able to gain cane skills very quickly and within a matter of weeks was able to complete routes to and from his local shop independently. This gave Mr Thomas much joy and week by week we could see his confidence and self-esteem improve. Further to mobility training Mr Thomas is now able to visit his local shop, tend to his allotment and social club independently again. Mr Thomas said “I haven’t been out without my wife in two years, I never imagined I would be able to achieve these things again. I was thinking about giving up the allotment but now I can go independently, it gives me a reason to get up in the morning. My allotment has always been my sanctuary and getting back up there has helped my mental health greatly.”

On completion of his Rehabilitation training Mr Thomas said “I am so grateful for all the support and guidance you have given me. I couldn’t see a way forward, I thought I had lost everything. No one ever thinks about losing their sight but when it happens it’s such a difficult thing to come to terms with. Your whole world is turned upside down and everything becomes a challenge. You have given me and my wife hope! We can now have confidence that we can still go on our holiday and be safe doing so. Without your support I would have never known about the skills, equipment and services that benefit me. For this we are very thankful.”