"Anne is an inspiration to visually impaired people."
These are the words used to describe a Hampshire woman who has been nominated for a national award for her voluntary work in helping those with impaired vision.
Anne Woodford, 80, from Littleton, Winchester, has been nominated for the Chairman’s Award for Volunteering as part of the Macular Society’s Awards for Excellence.
She has been a secretary at the Colebrook Club for seven years, where she uses her own experiences in dealing with macular degeneration to help others.
Anne, pictured, helps members at the club by arranging group meetings, activities, offering advice and giving people the chance to learn about useful technology.
She had been a member of the club since 1998, and took up the position as secretary when the vacancy became available.
She said: “When the group told me I was nominated I was amazed. It is a delight to be able to do something for those affected by sight loss. Having macular degeneration myself, I know how much of an adaption is needed in the brain, to be able to carry on with things.
“Having a meeting place to relax with others with the same problem is important. It helps to share peoples’ way of living.
“My reward is seeing people realise that life does continue. It can be quite exciting for people when they learn how to use a piece of technology that allows them to do something they thought they never could.”
Age-related macular degeneration affects the central vision and is the most common cause of sight loss in the UK.
Jean English, a member of the Colebrook Club, said: “Anne is an inspiration to visually impaired people, for although she developed macular disease over 30 years ago, her grasp of technology has enabled her to pursue a long career as a company secretary.”
The work of Anne was at one time so effective that a new member, Betty Tring, burst into tears at how welcomed she felt.
Betty said: “I had completely lost confidence when my sight deteriorated. However, Anne persuaded me to go along and she was so welcoming that after the meeting I shed tears of emotion. Having found friends and support has restored my life.”
The winners will be announced on September 28 at the Macular Society’s annual London conference.
To find out more about The Macular Society visit macularsociety.org/donate.
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