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Val has been registered blind since 1990, having spent the two years previous to that coming to terms with the fact that she had been diagnosed with Retinal Dystrophy which is a progressive disease leading to blindness.
By 2000 her sight had deteriorated to the point where she no longer felt safe whilst out, falling down some concrete steps was the last straw so she decided to get some help by contacting Guide Dogs who decided that a guide dog could help. After waiting a year she met and trained with Zoe who is a black Labrador, the most precious friend anybody in Val's position could have. She soon gave back Val's much needed independence and confidence.
Val is currently secretary for the local fundraising branch and also enjoys public speaking for Guide Dogs. It is her way of saying thank you for the unique work Guide Dogs does.
Val says,
"I joined Stockton Blind Peoples Voice about two years ago and have learnt so much since then by attending meetings, conferences, and have been on many courses.
The last course was organised by The Northern Rock Foundation, and I soon put my new found knowledge and skills to use by entering a competition to win the group a website.
I was so pleased and excited to hear we had won and the result is what you see today a really good professional website.
I was one of the members, who travelled to St James Palace to meet the Queen, a day I will never forget thanks to BlindVoice UK. The group has done so much for me and it is gratifying to help others in a similar situation in whatever way I can"
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