In June, I'm planning to abseil 100' at the John Radcliffe Hospital to raise money for My Vision Oxfordshire! 

10 years ago I started to notice my eyes were deteriorating significantly and I was struggling big time with sight loss. I was made aware of 'My Vision’ (OAB as they were called at the time) I was invited to take a look around their HQ where they had some technology available that was adapted to help those of us with a visual impairment, manage everyday tasks that are normally easy for anyone with 'normal' 20/20 vision.

During my visit to ‘My Vision’ I was put in contact with the Guide Dogs Charity, and very soon after my introduction, I was matched with my very first guide dog 'Molly!'  Without ‘My Vision’ I wouldn't have had a clue where to start, and their knowledge and support, particularly while I was going through the denial period, was paramount in helping me to adjust to life with a severe sight impairment. I was made to feel 'normal' again, and this led to me becoming more confident managing living every day 'life' with sight loss.

They do so much work to support those of us with sight loss, that when I was asked to carry out some fundraising by abseiling down the JR Hospital Building, I didn’t hesitate to agree to sign up!

I'm usually quite confident with heights having worked on scaffolding over the years whilst working in the building trade. However, when it comes to heights and having no scaffolding rail to cling hold of, this makes it a whole new ball game, I’m absolutely petrified, I don’t feel safe or confident and I’m actually scared stiff I'll back out on the day!

However, I'm hoping I don't 'bottle it' because this is something I must complete, because in addition to raising awareness and much needed funds for ‘My Vision’, I feel it's my duty to give a shout out to the wonderful JR Hospital which saved my life 2 years ago after catching COVID-19 which caused me to have life threatening side effects that led to a pulmonary embolism. Without the JR Hospital I wouldn’t be here today considering undergoing this challenge.

I appreciate everyone is 'skint' worldwide right now due to the economic cost of living crisis, so any donation, no matter how small it may appear, would be massively appreciated by 'My Vision'. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and even if you are unable to donate because you may already have an alternative charity you support, please feel free to pop along on the day to give me some much needed encouragement, as I really don't want to mess this up x