About this blog

I went blind 20 years ago but have never mastered the art of being out and about on my own. I am in the 3% of blind people who can’t see anything; no light and dark or shading, just a bland beige all the time.

I’m not really sure why it’s taken me so long to get to the point where I’m determined to go to the shops on my own. All I can say is, that the last 20 years have been extremely busy. I work full-time, have a young family, a vibrant social life and a wonderful husband and, I guess, have always taken the easy option which is to hold someone’s arm when outside the house. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought a sense of isolation and frustration I never thought I would feel; the lack of diversity in life, as we all bunker down in our homes and don’t get to go to the office, pub, or visit our families. Also, no one wants to touch me anymore! This means, if my husband or kids aren’t up for a walk, I don’t get to go. Don’t get me wrong, they are all brilliant, and 9 times out of 10 are only too pleased to join me for a jaunt, I just simply want to go when I want to go now.

This blog will document my journey of how, hopefully, I master independent mobility. My hope is, it will be useful to anyone in the future who loses their sight, and for their friends and family, but also to bring about awareness. I have to say, I'm absolutely petrified but if loads of other blind people can do it, I'm sure I can too!