Hello everyone, my name is Lucy
Being a client of Myvision Oxfordshire, Lucy is delighted to let you know that she will be starting as the new children and young peoples coordinator.
I can’t express how excited I am to be joining such an incredible group of people and being part of a team that supported me throughout my own sight loss journey. Never, at certain points in my life, could I have ever envisioned myself being where I am now. But, here I am, eager to start work, raring to go and ready to give it my all.
Lucy standing in front of a tree and smiling
Lucy has a rare autoimmune condition called Neuromyelitis optica, or NMO for short.This unusual condition has no cure and affects the nerves in the eyes and spinal cord. Its symptoms vary between people, ranging from mild to severe and can only be managed with treatment. She has been affected severely by this condition, and as a result is now registered blind.
Lucy’s early struggles
As a sighted person from birth, Lucy was absolutely devastated when she became severely ill and eventually diagnosed with NMO at the age of ten. Never did she imagine that something like this could happen to her. Lucy also didn’t understand why or how she was ever going to do anything again as a visually impaired person.
My world suddenly became very small and I became even smaller within it. My feelings of loss, fear and loneliness were all consuming and made me retreat into myself and away from everyone and everything. With every attack I had of my NMO, I not only lost more of my sight but I felt that I also lost more of my identity and my independence.
How Lucy has turned things around
Eventually though, with time and the support of her family, friends and Myvision, she rebuilt her confidence. She developed a determination to thrive, succeed and achieve anything she set her mind to.
My response to people now when they ask me to go somewhere or to try something new is definitely yes, lets give it a go.
Lucy has the view that everything is possible and there to be tried and fully experienced. It just might need a few adaptations along the way. Growing up with sight loss has not stopped her from achieving her goals, such as going away to university to study english literature. She has also been able to travel and explore the world, to live independently and now enter into employment.
Lucy’s passion and commitment to MyVision
Lucy’s personal journey has shown her that disability offers new ways to approach life and unlock potential. She is looking forward to sharing this perspective with others. As someone who has experienced visual impairment from an early age, Lucy is committed to ensuring that no child or any person is left to face the challenges of sight loss alone. She understands how isolating it can be to navigate a world that often feels unaccommodating. Lucy is passionate about creating spaces where people are supported, empowered, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
I am looking forward to meeting you all in person wether it be at an event, a meet up, a hospital appointment or simply for a chat over tea and biscuits.
Cant wait to see you soon!
Lucy
You can read more stories on our MyVision MyStory page.
If you need support or would like find out more information on our Children and Young People groups, contact us at: info@myvision.org.uk
