May 2022 – We were invited to the Vision Foundation – ‘See My Skills’ Gala – an evening of celebration and surprises, putting a spotlight on individuals who will not be defined by their sight loss. Distinguished guests included Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex (Patron), Sir John Major (Vice President), Lord David Blunkett (Vice President) & Lady Cherie Blair QC (Vice President) of the Vision Foundation, representatives from corporations that support the charity and many many inspirational people with sight loss. There were about 130 guests in total. Eleanor was asked to perform as part of the night’s festivities, quite a big deal for an 11 year old!
It was a pleasure supporting the Vision Foundation (formally the Greater London Fund for the Blind), an umbrella charity that supports mostly London based organisations and smaller sight loss charities that in turn will continue to support adults, and children like Eleanor, through their respective sight loss journeys. For example charities such as The Amber Trust & Mousetrap Theatre Projects will benefit from annual grants; whom Eleanor has greatly benefitted from.
Eleanor was invited by Olivia Curno the CEO of the Vision Foundation to join her on stage. They talked about Eleanor’s sight loss journey, the inspiring things Eleanor has achieved so far and ended with Eleanor performing “Colours of the Wind” for the guests of the Gala dinner.
We hope you enjoy the video & pictures below (trigger warning: tissues may be required)…
More pictures will be added in due course, so please come back soon…
A close up of Eleanor sitting on stage, microphone in hand. Doesn’t she just look in her element! The picture was taken whilst she was being interviewed.
Photo credit: Steve Booth / Vision Foundation
Olivia Curno, CEO of the Vision Foundation, Sir John Major (Vice President) & Eleanor all pose for a professionally taken photo. Photo credit: Steve Booth / Vision Foundation
Eleanor & Tim (Dad) are crouched down over ‘Kika’ the guide dog, who is lying on the floor. Kika was ‘off duty’ at the time and permission and treats were given to Eleanor to feed her by her owner, the inspirational Dr Amit Patel. Photo credit: Steve Booth / Vision Foundation
Eleanor meets the inspirational Dr Amit Patel a trustee of the Vision Foundation and of course his equally inspirational and famous guide dog ‘Kika‘. Whilst Kika was ‘off duty’ she received a lot of attention from guests, but it is always important to understand that these wonderful animals are working dogs and you should never assume you can just pet them or fuss them, you must always introduce yourself, asking the owner/handler first and respecting their answer. Sound advice for working dogs of all kinds. Kika’s bright yellow harness clearly states “Please DON’T distract me… I am a working dog!”. Photo credit: Dr Amit Patel / Tim Stollery
