Stuart, 80, from Anglesey, North Wales became a member of Deafblind UK in 2024 when his sight began to deteriorate. He wears hearing aids and has macular degeneration in both of his eyes. He kindly shared his story with us in the hope that by raising awareness and much-needed funds, Deafblind UK can support more people affected by deafblindness across the UK.
Originally from Oldham near Manchester, Stuart moved to Anglesey in 1966 at the age of 21, and it wasn’t long before he fell in love with local girl Margaret. The two were married in 1968 and enjoyed raising their two sons on the island, where he still lives in the family house he built back in 1970.
He told us, “As a retired gas fitter and mechanic, I was no stranger to being called upon to help family members with handiwork. Which is why it is so frustrating that I can no longer see to do these things myself and have to ask others to help with even the simplest of tasks. I can’t even see to adjust the central heating.”
“I became ever more dependent on my wonderful wife Margaret as my sight deteriorated, for reading labels, telling the time, and cooking.” But sadly, when Margaret passed away in May, it left Stuart facing the loss of his sight and his constant companion of 56 years.
“This will be the first winter I’m facing on my own.”
Stuart has always led an active and social life, enjoying pastimes such as horse riding, cycling and archery. He has even performed starring roles in amateur performances such as Oliver (as Fagan), The King and I (as the king), Educating Rita (as Dr Bryant) and many a pantomime dame. However, he has had to stop most of these activities due to his sensory loss. “I live in a small rural community, so when I had to stop driving it was a big blow for me. The bus is quite infrequent and takes over an hour to Holyhead, a journey that used to take 25 minutes.”
“I’ve never liked the winter anyway, and losing my sight has made it a lot worse to cope with. I dread the darker months as the nights are so long and lonely, and the daylight hours are a lot duller. I can’t even see to adjust the central heating.”
“I countdown the days until 21st December because it’s the shortest day of the year and I know that from that point on the days will grow broader and brighter.”
“I reached out to Deafblind UK because I was feeling very low, and the season definitely brings on extra anxieties. I now receive regular calls from Hayley in the charity’s counselling team, who is wonderful. She talks to me about anything I want to talk about, and I know I can turn to her if I need to.”
“I know Deafblind UK are there for me when I need them.”
How you can help
Stuart is just one of thousands of deafblind people who will face this winter alone. You can help us to be there for more people who need us through the dark months by supporting Deafblind UK’s Winter Wellness programme.
However large or small, your gift will make such a difference:
- £20 could pay for a person who is deafblind to receive regular befriending calls in their preferred communication method for two months, helping to alleviate loneliness.
- £35 could fund a virtual social group, giving up to eight people the chance to meet their peers and spend time socialising with others.
- £50 could provide a specialist counselling session for someone trying to come to terms with their sight and hearing loss.
- £100 could pay for 20 members to receive a wellbeing call during the difficult festive period.
Click here to donate today
