Dawn's story

RNIB helped Dawn Parkinson realise her ambitions as a painter

Painting is Dawn's life. But there was a time when she thought she'd never paint again.

When Dawn's retina collapsed in the 1980s, she was told there was nothing more that could be done.

She is now totally blind in her right eye. With her left, she can only see the world in 10p-size pieces at a time.

Dawn depended on her husband to be her eyes and her guide. When he died she was totally lost. "At that point I was ready to give up".

It wasn't until her daughter told her about the help she could receive from RNIB that she found the confidence to paint again.



Watch our video about Dawn's painting





How RNIB helped Dawn

When Dawn contacted us, we helped her realise her dream of painting again by putting her in touch with another blind painter.

"I started to believe I might paint again too. RNIB helped me find the courage to actually pick my brush up."

So Dawn began painting. It wasn't easy and her first efforts went in the bin but she gradually gained confidence and the motivation to persevere.

We also showed Dawn where to get the special ruler, magnifying glass and monocular that she always uses now when she's painting. Seeing an inch at a time means finishing a painting can take up to two years.

Please donate today so we can help more people like Dawn achieve their dreams.


How you can help today

"My independence means everything to me. RNIB has helped me to find it again and to believe in myself. RNIB never gives up on you, and helps you get your life back."

Please make a donation today so we can help people like Dawn achieve their dreams.

Last updated: 22 April 2013

Contact the Fundraising team

If you have any questions, please email us at fundraising@rnib.org.uk or call us on 0845 345 0054
(Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).


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"My independence means everything to me. RNIB has helped me to find it again and to believe in myself." Dawn


Help us support more people to achieve their dreams.