A Burnham-On-Sea woman who has lost her sight is raising funds for Guide Dogs UK to help mark the organisation’s 90th birthday.
Martina Beard, pictured, lost her sight last year following a medical issue.
“It started with a viral infection which caused a problem with my immune system,” she says. “This consequently caused scarring and other issues with my eyes, resulting in my sight loss.”
She adds: “It is extremely rare and doctors at both Musgrove and Bristol Eye Hospital were brilliant and tried everything they could to get a better outcome for me.”
“I am a busy working mum and it has obviously been life-changing. The most important thing to me has been to keep my life as normal as possible, enabling me to continue to contribute to life.”
She’s been on the waiting list for a guide dog for a year and explains that guide dogs provide the chance of independence to blind and sight-impaired people like herself.
“A simple thing such as going for a walk independently is so important to both physical and medical health and has become almost impossible since losing my sight.”
Martina is on track to walk 90km around the Burnham area to raise funds for the charity, Guide Dogs UK, in its 90th anniversary year.
“The impact of losing your sight is the same now as it was 90 years ago. It’s terrifying and it’s isolating. Without help, people with sight loss are likely to encounter unemployment, depression, loneliness, and financial insecurity.”
“But with your help, they can be who they want to be. Guide Dogs provides a range of life-changing services and are working hard to reach many more people with sight loss.”
“When you make a donation, you will be helping Guide Dogs ensure people living with sight loss across the UK feel less alone, now and for the next 90 years.”
Click here for her fundraising page
