Gloucestershire Sight Loss Council: Meet the Members

Gavin Higgins

My name is Gavin and I’m 34 years old, almost 35. I’ve been married for about 5 and a half years and I have a job as a part-time admin assistant at EDF energy which I’ve been in since 2016. This began as an internship in 2015. Fitness is a major part of my life and keeping my body healthy and strong. I’m also an active member of a Church where I receive a lot of support and encouragement when needed.

One of the reasons I want to be part of the Sight Loss Council is because I would like to see a few changes, such as earlier bus travel which would be very helpful in the day-to-day travel I do. Be it work or any other place I have to go to before the time stated by the council for my bus pass to take effect.

Ines Higgins

My name is Ines and I live with my hubby in sunny Cheltenham, though originally I am from Germany.  I work as a team administrator for Forwards Gloucestershire, an organisation within the Gloucestershire County Council responsible for helping people with barriers to work to get into paid employment – a subject I am particularly passionate about. This is probably one of the various reasons I wanted to be a member of the Sight Loss Council.

I also enjoy staying active and fit, such as going to a gym, walking and running as well as home workouts. I have done various fundraisers through either running, walking or indoor cycling. I am part of a church community, as my Christian faith is vital to me; this is where I get support and encouragement but I also get to support and encourage others.

I wanted to join the Sight Loss Council to campaign for equality in transport, as well as in fitness and leisure, such as gyms, public swimming pools etc., and simply because I love helping and speaking up for others.

Ann Lightfoot

My name is Ann, I was born in Wales, with severe sight impairment.  My family moved to Leicester where I  went to school for the partially sighted, leaving with no formal qualifications  Married with one daughter I got a degree at University of Southampton.  Most of my working life has involved  work at Social Services, a Disability Charity and later roles within Advice Agencies including Debt Adviser and Welfare Rights Supervisor.  I also managed a team of volunteers.  After volunteering at Gloucestershire Insight, I later joined the Trustees and became their Chair. For over 20 years I was a Councillor on the Village Council.    Since retiring I enjoy making the most out of life with my Husband, getting out and about and  travelling  and since the arrival of 2 granddaughters, enjoying being  a grandmother.

Julie Stephens

My name is Julie and I was born in Gloucester. I was diagnosed with Stills disease at the age of seven.  My sight slowly deteriorated until I became totally blind in my early twenties.

I have worked for a firm of solicitors, two banks and more recently as a medical audio typist for the NHS. I am a qualified Reiki practitioner and am an active member of a local tai chi club.  I love ballroom, Latin and sequence dancing and am a member of a knit and natter group.

I am extremely excited to be working with the Sight Loss Council which will give me the opportunity to make a real difference. I am passionate about ensuring other blind and partially sighted people live a fulfilled and inclusive life.

Yahya Pandor

Yahya lost his sight two years ago due to Macular degeneration.

He was attracted to become a volunteer with Sight Loss Councils as he is passionate about improving the lives of blind and partially sighted people.

He believes in promoting the view that blind and partially sighted people are great candidates for employment and education opportunities. That through engagement, we can break down any barriers.

Mary Woolley

My name is Mary and I was diagnosed with bilateral Uveitis and Glaucoma in my early thirties and registered as visually impaired about a decade later. At this point I retired from teaching because it became increasingly difficult to manage in a classroom situation. After studying a postgraduate course about sight loss and employment at Bristol University I went on to become a manager in the voluntary and social care sector.

I also became a Trustee for the local visual impairment charity Insight Gloucestershire. The difference this local charity makes to people’s lives inspired me to join them as a Communications Officer.

I am looking forward to working with the Sight Loss Council to help make the necessary changes needed to improve access for blind and partially sighted people in Gloucestershire.

Kate Fenwick

Coming soon!

Sarah-Jane Buffrey

Coming soon!

Sarah Goddard

Coming soon!

Clare Finnimore

Coming soon!

Kahl Dalich

Coming soon!

Wayne Hands

Coming soon!