A grandfather who suddenly lost his sight is holding a fundraiser for Galloway's who helped him get "back on track".
Michael Hughes, was registered Severely Sight Impaired last October after his sight was damaged by a devastating stroke.
The 67-year-old from Chorley spoke of how the his life changed dramatically one evening as he put his coat to leave the house and suddenly found he was unable to see due to a sudden stroke. The effects of the stroke were described by the father of five as a “huge blow”, but thanks to family and friends, the former catering manager is now able to offer support to the charity which helped him recover.
“The stroke really came out of the blue and because I had no other symptoms other than the sight loss, it took longer to diagnose," Michael explained.
“Losing my sight so suddenly was very hard. Simple things can seem very difficult and you have to learn how to do things again. Thankfully, I’m very lucky to have the support of so many good people in my life - my wife Joan is my rock.
“I wanted to hold this fundraiser to thank Galloway’s who really helped me get back on track. Through them, I have been on a Living with Sight Loss course, I’ve had technical help and lots of great advice.
“I was first helped by their Eye Clinic Liaison Officer, Glen Sheader, who was there right at the beginning to give me advice and support filling in forms.
“Their technology Coordinator, Andrew Coleman, also helped me regain my confidence with my iPad which has opened up the world for me again.
“I have friends in Wales who have been through similar things and they have had nowhere to go. That’s when you realise how lucky we are to have organisations like Galloway’s.”
Community Fundraiser Roya Armstrong said: “We are so grateful to Michael and his family for arranging this wonderful day in aid of Galloway’s.
“Fundraisers like these are so important to us and help to fund vital services for blind and partially sighted people across Lancashire and Sefton. This event means so much to us.
“If you would like to help fundraise for Galloway’s, please get in touch.”
Michael’s family fun day will take place at the Euxton War Memorial Club, Chorley on August 25 from 2pm – late. The day will be filled with lots of fun for all the family including games, a tombola, raffles, food and live music.