George's story

George, from Middlesbrough, was a self employed builder but during the last 3 years of working he started to lose his sight due to a degenerative macular condition.

Although he was struggling to cope he didn’t want to go to an optician. Eventually though, he forced himself to do this and was referred to Sunderland Eye Infirmary. It was there that he met Cathy, one of our coordinator’s at our Action Team in Middlesbrough.

George was extremely withdrawn and was unwilling to see his GP but with Cathy’s encouragement he made an appointment. A medical certificate was arranged which enabled us to help him make a backdated claim for Incapacity Benefit as he had not been working or claiming sick pay for some time.

We also helped George to make a claim for Disability Living Allowance, which he was awarded, and he’s also received mobility training which was arranged through the local Rehabilitation Officer.

George said, "Action has been so supportive to me. Before, my confidence was at rock bottom, to the point where I wouldn't even answer the phone. When they visited me at home for the first time I was slightly anxious, but they were so friendly that it made me feel completely at ease. My confidence has really grown. I feel as though I have my life back and I can't thank them enough."

Due to a further loss in vision, George had a bad fall in his home so Action arranged an urgent home assessment from Social Service's Sensory Team. We are now assisting him with a request for re-housing and in the meantime we have provided aids for his home to help prevent further injuries.

George coached football for over 15 years before he lost his sight and wanted to do so again. Cathy asked him to visit the local Actionnaires sports clubs for visually impaired children. Once there, he said; "As soon as I walked in I wanted to be there… it put my life into perspective straight away."

He volunteered at the Actionnaires club and applied for a course to qualify as a coach, which we helped to secure funding for. George is now coaching at one of our Actionnaires clubs and has completed his course. This is something he has always loved doing and said; "If the kids come off the field with a smile on their face then that’s the important thing." He hopes to further his coaching by working with blind and partially sighted children within schools.

George's wife said, "Action has been marvellous, all the support has been amazing and has given George something to live for."

Listen to a podcast interview with George