Sight for Surrey has directly benefited from money raised by Children in Need and this year is no exception. We are so pleased that one of our service users and an ambassador for Sight for Surrey, the lovely Niamh, is featured on the BBC Radio 4 Appeal page here.
Four years ago, 16 year old Niamh’s life turned upside down when a regular visit to the opticians led to a diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa – a rare, genetic disorder of the eyes that causes loss of vision. With 1-2-1 support from Sight for Surrey Children’s & Young People’s team, Niamh learnt to use a cane so that she could go out on her own, a small action that many 16 year olds take for granted, but for Niamh was a huge step in independence.
Niamh and her family have also received support in a range of different ways including habilitation skills training which involves lessons in road crossing, techniques for travelling on public transport, cooking, managing money, shopping, requesting & refusing help and keeping safe. Niamh has also enjoyed various activities and days out organised and funded by Sight for Surrey.
Niamh now frequently offers guidance to new young members and is a popular and trusted member of the Sight for Surrey 11up social group. Thank you Niamh!
Tune in to Radio 4 here this Sunday at 7.54 to listen to the Children in Need Appeal or to make a donation direct to Sight for Surrey to help us continue supporting amazing and inspirational people like Niamh, visit our website here.
If you miss the broadcast on Sunday at 7.54am the charity appeal is also broadcast on 21.25 on Sunday and on Thursday at 15.27. A big thank you to Children in Need for their funding.