George's story and interview
Please make a donation and you could help make sure that people like George don't have "the worst Christmas ever" after losing their sight.
A few years ago, George had the worst Christmas imaginable. He started to lose his sight due to macular degeneration.
At 48 years old, instead of preparing for a happy family Christmas, he was plunged into a hostile and unfamiliar world.
Everyday things as simple as making a hot drink, or walking down stairs, became terrifying and dangerous tasks.
"Not being able to buy something special for my grandson and see the expression on his face when he opened it on Christmas day was devastating. I felt depressed and frightened. It was the worst Christmas ever."
Unsafe at home
George's disorientation, and his home's unsuitability for someone with sight loss, led to a serious fall.
He was bruised, battered, his front teeth smashed. This terrible accident left him feeling unsafe in his own home.
How Action for Blind People helped George
With your kind donations, our housing support service made sure his house was fitted with safety rails, Braille stickers and other essential equipment. Then we helped him get reading aids and mobility training so he could learn how to move around his house safely, without fear of another life-threatening fall.
With this practical help, George started to regain his independence and rebuild his self-belief. Today, George is like a different man to the frightened, vulnerable person he was when we first met him. He no longer has to rely on his wife and children for everything.
What George is doing now
With his confidence restored, George got a job as a coordinator at our Sunderland Actionnaires club, where he helps children living with sight loss to realise their potential.
He volunteers at a local school and this year he even gave a speech in front of hundreds of people at Action for Blind People’s annual conference.
Listen to George's story in his own words
Listen to and download George's interview
How you can help
Sadly, George isn't alone. Every 15 minutes someone in the UK starts to lose their sight.
Around the country, people with sight loss are at risk of terrible accidents because they need specialised equipment and training. Please help us make sure they have a safe. Your gift will help us make houses safe and practical for more blind and partially sighted people.
Make a donation
Thank you so much for your support your gift is much needed and greatly appreciated. All funds will be used where the need is greatest.
