Christmas Concert for Guide Dogs

At the age of 17, I was diagnosed with the condition Retinitis Pigmentosa. This is a degenerative condition that permanently affects the peripheral vision, central vision and the eye's ability to process light and leads to loss of vision and blindness. There is currently no cure or help that can be offered to alleviate the symptoms. The progress of the disease is not consistent and can not be predicted, with the severity and the speed of deterioration varying greatly between patients. My vision has deteriorated to such an extent that in 2014 I was registered severely sight impaired (blind), which, at the time, forced me to give up my job as a full-time classroom music teacher. 

In 2019, I was matched with my Guide Dog, Ziggy. My partnership with Ziggy has given me a newfound confidence, enabling me to live my life with more independence. I am eternally grateful for the ongoing support that I receive from Guide Dogs. They are an invaluable institution for so many living with sightloss, hence the reason I would like the opportunity to give something back through this concert. The money raised will help them to continue to their vital work in supporting visually impaired people to lead a full and independent life. 

Every six minutes, someone in the UK starts to lose their sight. People facing sightloss can start to feel isolated from their friends and families, careers, communities, the lives they live and the futures they have planned. Guide Dogs work to transform the lives of people with vision impairments. Being partnered with a guide dog reduces loneliness and enables people with sightloss to get out and live the life they choose. This year, 1300 puppies will start their journeys to become guide dogs. The guide dog service receives no government funding and therefore relies on donations to continue their life-changing work.