Margaret is one of Berkshire Vision’s longest standing members.

Margaret was born with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), more recently she has been diagnosed with acute angle glaucoma and cataracts.

Margaret attended a state school and it wasn’t until she failed the 11+ that the extent of her sight issues were identified. It was suggested that she attend a residential school for the blind, but her headmaster fought for her to stay, and with accommodations such as large print, extra time and a reader she left school with seven CSE’s.

It was at this point she was introduced to Berkshire Vision (then known as Berkshire County Blind Society) and Margaret started to learn Braille.

After she finished her CSE’s Margaret was registered blind and went she went to Bracknell College to learn audio typing. Margaret then went on to work at Norwich Union for eight and a half years but as her sight got worse she had to leave. Margaret was out of work for the next three years. She tried a rehabilitation centre run by the RNIB, but lasted one night and lost a lot of confidence. During this time Margaret was attending craft activities at Berkshire Vision and the then CEO suggested that she get in touch with Barclays who were looking for a telephonist. Margaret got the job and worked at Barclays for 14 years. Barclays were able to make lots of adaptations for her and did everything they could to help her in her role as technology and working systems changed. In 2000 Margaret left Barclays on ill health retirement. 

Since retirement Margaret has been very active in volunteering including helping at, Berkshire Vision, Riding for the Disabled, Guide Dogs and helping to run social clubs for others living with sight loss.