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“I was very upset. Very, very upset that I had lost my sight."

Please donate online today to give hope and independence to people like Edward. 

Edward lived life to the full. He had piloted aircraft and competed in motor rallies. 

But just before Christmas in 2011, at age 61, Edward suffered a massive heart attack. He stopped breathing for nine minutes, damaging the part of his brain that processes visual information. As he explains, “My eyes are 100%. It’s just that my brain can’t process it.” 

For Edward, who had relied so much on his vision, the loss was almost unbearable. Depressed, Edward felt that the life he knew was gone forever. 

Fortunately we were there for him in his darkest hour.

Our team is giving Edward renewed hope by teaching him new life skills and coping techniques, like cooking scrambled eggs and learning how to catch the train without sight. 

But every day we meet three more people like Edward who need our assistance. That’s why your support is so crucial. Please donate today to change lives.

Edward has relearnt to make his favourite breakfast of scrambled eggs.

Image: Edward has relearnt how to make his favourite breakfast of scrambled eggs with the help of Jessie, one of our Rehabilitation Instructors. 

How your support will make a difference

Your support will help people like Edward regain independence, hope and freedom.

  • Your $35 could help give someone like Edward the support they need to get through everyday life.
  • Your $77 could help provide a counselling session to a person who has recently suffered vision loss.
  • Your $120 could help provide recreational activities, which give physical, social and psychological support to people who are blind or have low vision.

“Independence is the biggest thing.” 

“Independence is the biggest thing,” says Edward. ‘“I just can’t reiterate enough how helpful the Foundation of the Blind team has been.” 

Jessie, one of our Rehabilitation Instructors, has helped Edward find his own way to the gym and his local cafe. “At first, Edward didn’t even want to leave the house," says Jessie. "Now he catches the train and is able to prepare his favourite breakfast - scrambled eggs. He’s made amazing progress."

Although they may seem like small steps, Edward’s achievements are turning his life around. Please be part of the team that changes lives by donating now.

You can donate online here, call 0800 DONATE (0800 366 283).