Story of Resilience: Woman with 4% vision reclaims her independence

Despite having just 4% vision, Amanda is now back to embracing day-to-day activities, demonstrating that, with the right support and unwavering spirit, anything is possible.

With a lifelong passion for living life to the fullest, Amanda hasn’t let her visual impairment hold her back. Her perseverance has seen her able to resume her cherished daily routines, from cooking and gardening to swimming, with the assistance of a dedicated team of care professionals. Her story is a powerful reminder of the potential within us all to triumph over adversity.

“I never thought I would be able to do the things I love again,” Amanda said as she shared her story. “The team supporting me has not only helped me navigate my world more safely but has also given me the confidence to live my life fully. They have shown me that losing my vision doesn’t mean losing my independence.”

Prior to losing her vision, Amanda enjoyed a prolific advertising career, having worked on famous campaigns in the early 00s such as Marmite’s Love it or Hate it campaign and the Yellow Pages advert featuring James Nesbitt in the hairdressers, as well as memorable commercials for Sainsbury’s featuring Jamie Oliver, Lynx, McDonald’s and more.

Having noticed a change in her peripheral vision, Amanda’s sight began to deteriorate, leading to her being registered blind in her forties. With day-to-day life becoming a serious challenge, she turned to homecare provider, Venelle, for a comprehensive assessment of her unique needs and preferences – with a view to helping support her in enjoying the things she used to enjoy, while also supporting in everyday tasks that could be stressful. A personalised care plan was crafted to ensure that she could continue living her life on her own terms, with a focus on maintaining her autonomy and enhancing her quality of life.

“My family, especially my husband, have been a great support to me over the years. But having dedicated care provision now means I don’t have to rely on them for everything and I’ve been able to gain a level of independence I didn’t previously have. I feel like I have regained control,” Amanda continued.

“From helping me with my garden to taking me out to social events or swimming, the support I’ve received has been life-changing. Even the seemingly ‘small things’ such as applying for a new credit card are taken care of – removing something that, previously, was causing an enormous amount of stress. I now have the freedom to pursue more things I enjoy, while staying connected with friends and the wider community.”

Louise Blezzard, Founder and CEO of Venelle which provides Amanda’s care said: “We are immensely proud to support Amanda in achieving her goals. Her courage and tenacity are inspiring, and her story exemplifies what person-centred care is all about—enabling individuals to live their lives on their own terms. Care should be about empowering people, not limiting them, and Amanda’s story is a wonderful example of that ethos in action.”

Venelle’s dedicated care team is designed to adapt to each client’s unique needs, providing a holistic approach that goes beyond traditional care. The support provided includes not only assistance with daily activities but also the companionship and encouragement needed to help individuals regain confidence and independence.

“Everyone deserves the chance to live a fulfilling and active life, no matter the challenges they face,” continued Louise. “Amanda’s journey, which has seen her able to engage more with the world again is a testament to the importance of personalised, compassionate care.”

For Amanda, the future is now filled with possibilities. “When you’re blind or partially sighted, you don’t think you need that help but it’s good to confront it and then realise that, actually, these are my limitations – but if someone helps me, we can rise above those limitations.”