Debbie Impiazzi

For most of her adult life Debbie worked full time as a charity administrator travelling abroad and talking passionately about her work. Then in 2008, aged 41, she began to lose her sight due to a very rare eye condition which forced her to reassess her future.

“Having to leave my job was very difficult and it was at this time that the realisation of what had happened to me really started to take affect.  I was stuck in a flat with no knowledge of a talking computer, no realistic job prospects, no mobility, I had to rely on friends and family to do many things I used to be able to do - I was losing confidence by the hour”

Debbie then came to study at the Royal National College for the Blind where she made many new friends who were dealing with the same problems that she was. Debbie’s confidence grew as the teaching and guidance she received supported her to challenge her fears and try new things.

To test herself further Debbie decided that in order to give something back to the College that had helped her so much, she would take part in two fundraising activities; firstly to join a hike across the Black Mountains and secondly to abseil down St Peters Church Tower in Hereford!

One of the hardest things Debbie has ever endured was the Black Mountain Challenge, a hike across 19 miles of rough terrain and a feat that made her feel very proud and proved to her that nothing is impossible – even if you’re blind. Then within a month Debbie was climbing the tower of St Peters Church in Hereford, combating her fear of heights and preparing to launch herself down from the top. “This was one time I was pleased that I could not see!” she said, but then went on to thoroughly enjoy dangling on a rope and felt it was all over far too quickly!

“Both of the challenges had a huge impact on me and helped shape my thoughts and inspire my confidence for the future. And it all helped to raise money for a place so dear to my heart.”

By completing these two fundraisers, Debbie along with a number of fellow students and college staff helped to raise a fantastic £4,425 for RNC.

“RNC has changed my life and given me my future back I just hope that I can find an employer to help me in the next chapter of my life.”