Losing my sight
Alan Brown started to lose his sight due to diabetic retinopathy in 1992, when he was still working full time.
Listen to Alan in his own words
"My vision gradually worsened and I finally left work in 1994, choosing instead to work voluntarily for my Local Blind Society in Bristol. I finally lost all of my sight three years ago.
"With the support of RNIB I have started a choir, a music appreciation group, a guitar group and introduced audio description to the two theatres in Bristol. I also go down to my local RNIB and help encourage new volunteers.
"My whole focus in life is to achieve what seem to me like impossible things to do. Some of the tasks I set myself are like standing at the foot of Everest and I think to myself that I can't do this, but then you get support coming in from outside and you think 'Oh this is brilliant, this is great - I managed to do this.' This is what makes life so exciting for me."
Leaving a Legacy
"I chose to give RNIB a Legacy because when I had to give up work, RNIB were there to help me find a new way in life. They gave me emotional support, encouragement, training and something to look forwards to every day. They let me manage my life on my own terms and do what I wanted to do whilst providing me with the vital support I needed to enable this to happen.
"I sometimes get frustrated but in the main I stay positive and with the support of RNIB am still able to enjoy life to the full."
Contact a Legacy Advisor
Our team of Legacy Advisors are always happy to visit you at home, speak to you on the phone or write to give you helpful advice in a straightforward, friendly way.
To contact any of the Legacy Advisors or order your free Will Guide, please call us on 0845 600 1313 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or email LegacyServices@rnib.org.uk - alternatively, you can fill in our quick Wills and Legacies Advisory Service online form.