John felt like life was one big adventure. He loved touring around Britain on his motorbike.
But aged 43, John suffered a horrific crash, damaging his optic nerve and losing sight in one eye. John tried to carry on as before but the real nightmare was only just beginning.
A few years later his wife died and he was diagnosed with diabetes. On top of this he lost his job and started experiencing blurred vision in his other eye.
"I felt like that was it. I couldn't ride my motorbike; I couldn't even see my daughter's face".
'I lost my will to live, I was suicidal.'
The problem was that John's retina had become detached due to diabetic retinopathy. In a matter of months, his life changed forever. There were no adventures, no more motorbike rides - he simply couldn't see.
The impact on John's life was crushing. He felt desperate and totally alone, and cut himself off from the world. Luckily, one of his friends knew about RNIB and John contacted us for help.
How RNIB helped John
John's story was tragic, but it wasn't without hope.
"RNIB has supported me in so many ways it is unbelievable."
We made his life easier with a few practical things such as talking clocks, big button telephones and braille stickers. We also installed handrails in his home to make it safe and we provided him with mobility training. These basic, but essential, changes gave John confidence.
To help John achieve his goal of going back to work, we installed special software on his computer to make it audible and a speech programme so he could 'type' verbally.
With our support, he was able to claim a higher level of Disability Living Allowance, so he had more money to buy the things he needed. This helped him to become even more independent and soon he found a job working for the Salvation Army - and he still works there today.
Make a donation
There are many ways to lose your sight. With your donation there are many ways we can help. You have the chance to change someone's life.
Please make a donation and help continue our work.
Every day 100 people in the UK begin to lose their sight. We need to reach these people, that's why your support is so important.