Hannah is a beloved and active Member of Berkshire Vision. Always putting a smile on our Staff’s faces with her upbeat and positive attitude. She has taken part in numerous Berkshire Vision events and fundraising & volunteering efforts and we’re so happy that she’s a part of the Berkshire Vision Family. This is her story.

My name is Hannah Smith, I grew up in a small village called Baydon. I went to the local primary school with my friends. I then moved on to my local secondary school in Newbury where I had to learn how to make new friends.  When I was a young adult, I went to study further at RNCB, this is a college based in Hereford for young people and adults who are blind or partially sighted; I fall into this group. The reason for this is because I suffer from neurological blindness.  This means that although my eyes are actually fine and healthy, their messages don’t get to my brain.  Despite having this condition, my visual impairment hasn’t stopped me from having a fulfilling and happy life.

 After leaving college, I began volunteering part-time at the British Heart Foundation. This is a charity shop where I still volunteer and really enjoy doing so. I live in Newbury on my own, supported by friends and family as well support from the council. Out of my siblings, I am the oldest. We all get on with each other and keep in regular contact. I am also close to both my Mum and my Dad.I enjoy socialising with my friends; these include my friends at Berkshire Vision and my friends I have grown up with. I also enjoy socialising with family.

My parents found out about my condition at birth but I was told about it when I was at an appropriate age to understand. I grew up slightly differently to my friends as I could not do the same things as they were able to do. However, I was brought up to be as independent as possible and this has continued throughout my adult life.

I have not known any different as I have always had my eye condition. Over the years I have learnt to accept that this is my life and I cannot change it. I never look back and ask why I cannot do something as I knew it could never happen. An example of this was when all my friends learnt to drive and owned their own cars and I would never be able to have that experience. As I have always had my eye condition, I have not known any different. I have come to the conclusion that everyone is able to do different things in life, however big or small they are, as it’s an achievement for them.

I have a busy and active social life. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I also help out at a local Girl Guide unit during the school term, this includes summer camp each year. I really enjoy walking and spending time outside.  As well as going out with friends for meals. I take part in a yoga class once a week. This is a class for sighted people, but the teacher is very good and understands what I can and cannot see. I also like going swimming on a regular basis. 

I have been involved the Berkshire Vision for a quite a few years. Since coming across the charity, I have done a variety of events, both social and sporting activities. I am a member of the dragon boat team which I really enjoy as I have the opportunity to do some exercise as well as having fun with friends. I find tandem cycling good fun as it gives me a chance to do an activity safely as I cannot see to ride a bicycle on my own. Last summer, I did swimming sessions which I really enjoyed and has given me the confidence to swim in the local pool. I am also a member of the 18-35 social group; we do lots of different activities such as meals out, indoor skiing and lots more activities which are all fun, as well pub quizzes, theatre trips and loads more. With the sports group I have done a few dragon boat races and last year, I took on a short distance triathlon. I am hoping to do another longer one later this year. I take part in most things Berkshire Vision offer me and I like the fact that there is such a good variety of activities to meet the needs of everyone who uses the charity. Having the opportunity to take part in lots of different social and physical activities has built up my confidence and independence. I also offer to help with fundraising if I am given the opportunity to do so. The reason for this is that I like to give back to a charity which continues to support me.

I wish that people understood that we all have different amounts of sight but can still lead an active and fulfilling life in society with a little help and support. People need to know that the way they communicate with blind and partially sighted people needs to be different so we can follow a conversation. People also need to know it’s better to ask someone if they need help instead of stepping in even if they notice we seem to be struggling with something, as some people may take offence to that.

My advice to someone who has recently been diagnosed with a visual impairment is to do some research about your condition and talk to people about it and try and find an organisation such as Berkshire Vision who can support and help you to get to grips with your new life. If you are able to use social media that is a great source of information and you can also find local people who understand what you are going through because however close your friends are, they might not understand what you are going though or even how to help you.  I would also add that life will continue but in a different way. With your friends and family helping you, you will get through it.