Hazel Jones

Having been diagnosed in 1995 with Retinitis Pigmentosa (an eye condition which causes progressive sight loss over many years), Hazel continued in full time employment working as a retail manager and office administrator up until 2009 when redundancy lead to a need to change the course of her career.

Hazel heard about the Royal National College for the Blind from her Disability Employment Advisor and a subsequent visit to the college left her inspired and empowered to make a new start. Embarking on a course in Complementary Therapies and Braille in 2010, Hazel felt quite daunted at having to leave her family and friends to join the residential setting that would give her all the skills she needed. Once settled she enjoyed making new friends and studying hard and was motivated by the inspirational staff who Hazel claims ‘have the patience of saints’!

Whilst part way through her course Hazel felt she wanted to give something back to RNC and decided to join her husband and daughter in the Cardiff Half Marathon to raise funds for the College! Feeling nervous and excited on the morning of the race and soaking up the electric atmosphere in Cardiff, Hazel set off running ‘tagged’ to her guide runner friend and spurred on by the cheers of encouragement from the many spectators along the route. Once over the finish line and with a medal around her neck Hazel was on cloud nine, forgetting her tired and aching legs!

On completing her course and gaining the skills and qualifications to take her forward to the next stage in her life Hazel says RNC increased her confidence and allowed her self esteem to return.

Now self employed as a Massage Therapist, offering Reflexology, Sports Massage, Indian Head Massage and Holistic Massage. She also volunteers for a charity local to her home and visits RNC regularly assisting this years students through their studies. Hazel’s eye condition is stable, she has no peripheral vision at all and only 3% central vision and has no night vision.

Proud of everything that she has achieved and a great example to others Hazel’s confidence is still growing - “I travel on the train on my own now and in June this year I flew back from Portugal to Gatwick on my own; I would never have done this two years ago. A great confidence boost.”

Many thanks go to Hazel who raised a fantastic £300 which bought new massage supplies for the Complementary Therapy department at RNC and will support future students to achieve their goals.