At 19, Jill was at the threshold of her career, and the rest of her life. Then she developed diabetic retinopathy, and in a matter of weeks, she had lost her sight.
The effect of her sight loss was terrifying and devastating. Jill didn't know where to turn. Like many of the 100 people who begin to lose their sight every day, Jill found it hard to find the right information to help her, which was really frustrating.
"It was easy to feel isolated. And it was very hard to get information."
How RNIB helped Jill
Jill contacted us. We helped her to find the right appliances to help around the house. We also suggested products that would help her continue her education and become more independent.
"The Helpline is invaluable. There are so many times I've used it, for so many different things. It's brilliant that there's someone at the end of the phone who can say 'this is the person you need to talk to, they'll be able to help you out.' "
With our support, Jill excelled at university. Not long after graduation, she secured a job at RNIB's Insight Radio. Now confident and successful, Jill reaches out to thousands more blind and partially people, through her work at the station.
We couldn't do this without you. Please make a donation today or set up a regular donation so we can help more people like Jill turn their lives around.