At a routine eye test, Irene Donaldson was given the devastating news that she was losing her sight.
"I have never been as scared as the day they told me I was going blind. I thought my life was over."
With no family to support her, Irene was completely alone. She bought a sleeping bag and a small stove and moved her life into her sitting room, terrified that she wouldn't be able to manage in her home on her own any more.
She abandoned the small garden that she'd loved and cared for.
How we were able to help Irene
At Irene's hospital, Sue, an Eye Clinic Liaison Officer from RNIB, was on hand to help.
Irene was lucky; her eye clinic is one of the few where we are able to offer people support when they are first diagnosed with sight loss.
"Sue was a lifeline. Over time, she helped me learn to live my new life. It was the hardest thing I've ever done, and I don't think I would have made it without Sue's support every step of the way.
Thanks to RNIB, I've been able to piece my life back together."
How you can help people like Irene
Donate online today to help us ensure that people hold onto life when they lose their sight.