Bobby’s Story
I am writing this letter to show my appreciation to PrioritEyes and Norma not only for my mobility training 12 years ago and again for emotional support in 2022 but for helping redesign my life by helping me find my inner self-confidence again.
I was never confident in travelling myself; I always had support from my family or friends whenever I had to go out. My wife convinced me that it would be a great asset to be able to get about independently and to consider applying for a Guide Dog. I approached North Ayrshire Council to arrange Mobility Training and after a few weeks, I heard from Norma from PrioritEyes. Training with Norma really built up my confidence and when the training was complete, I went ahead and applied for a Guide Dog. We had hoped for a small to medium sized, short haired dog and within a few months, I got the news that a dog was available and I was paired with 19-month-old dos, a rather large, long haired German Shepard Retriever. As soon as we met him, my wife and I fell instantly in love with him. My Guide Dog training began, and he and I qualified in June 2013. In 2009, my wife had been diagnosed with cancer and following treatment was only 5 months away from being given the all clear. Sadly, the cancer returned undetected, and she sadly lost her battle in March 2014. Having started off with mobility training and now having my guide dog helped me eventually get on with life, thanks to the great advice from my wife.
I moved to a smaller house with my guide dog, and we worked together until March 2022, when he finally hung up his harness to enjoy his well-earned retirement.
Another benefit from my growing confidence is what I am doing now. I always wanted to be a DJ on the radio, but there just wasn’t the technology available in those days to support Visual Impairment. I gave up on that idea but, that didn’t put me off as I started up my own Mobile Disco and ran it successfully for 17 years. I also self-taught myself to play the Bass Guitar and was in a Band for about 14 years but as I aged my limited sight disappeared and with that my ability to keep up these passions. I came across an app called Vorail in 2016 and made many new friends including Darren & Buffy who own and run Treehouse Radio. I started to listen and enjoyed it so much, I got in touch and asked if I had the necessary equipment would it be possible to apply to join the Station as a Presenter. I relearned how to work with a PC. I also learned how to use a mixer and the software needed. I sent in a demo, and from there, I was invited to do a live audition, passed it and presented my 1st live show a few months later. I will have reached 4 years with Treehouse Radio this June, and I enjoy every moment in my role. Recently I was asked to join the management team for the station which I naturally accepted.
Why I am I telling you my life story, I hear you ask?
Simply put, the Training I received from PrioritEyes gave me back the confidence to live my life. If you are currently wondering if you should take up mobility training, or if you may be considering applying to have a guide dog or fancy getting involved with a radio station, I would say go for it. I can tell you it is a life-changing decision for the better. Your dreams can be realised if you stick at it and, my thanks go to Prioriteyes for helping me on the road to realising my own dreams.
B
