I was registered as partially sighted in March or 2018, and sadly, this progressed quite quickly to being registered as Severely Sight Impaired in June of this year 2019.

At the age of 55, I always took my sight for granted, never even thinking about the possibility of one day loosing it. It has had a HUGE impact on my life.  I eventually had to admit to myself that I could no longer continue the self employed work that I have had a passion for, and have been successful at for the last 7 years.

I lost my feeling of self worth, my ability to positively contribute to society.  I lost my confidence to go out alone, and even now with my cane, I feel vulnerable, lack confidence, feel self conscious and find it much easier to stay at home without a sighted guide.

I lost my independence,  lost the ability to feel part of my community and to be able to do things of my own free will, as and when I choose to.  Relying on others for the most simplest of tasks.

Just going out alone, terrifies me and I have to work up the courage to put on my coat, get my cane and take a step outside the house.  Often, the fear makes me close the door again, take off my coat, put down my cane and stay in the house.

With a sighted guide, my partner, my friends and family - I have the confidence to go out ( still feel angry with myself for being so reliant upon them ).

Then, I took a leap of faith and reached out to Guide Dogs UK.  They walked me through the application, and the assessments, and I am delighted to say that at present, I am on the waiting list for my very own guide dog - my life changer, my four legged furry angel.

My head and my heart is now full of hope and excitement once again, that I will in the near future have the ability to walk out of my door, with my head held high, in the knowledge that my Guide Dog partner will keep me safe - will stop me from tripping and falling down kerbs, from bumping into cars, wheels bins, trees and people.

Guide dogs have given me hope - and through this process of applying for a guide dog, I have learned the amazing work they do and the impact they have on people like me with vision loss.  They do this with many thousands of volunteers, selflessly giving up their time.  They receive very little government funding, and rely totally on donations from the public.

Therefore please know that every penny you donate, every £ you spend on my raffle tickets will go towards providing others like me with the most wonderful of gifts - will change someones life for the better.

Thank you all so very much 

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