A BLIND mother has started her first job in nearly 30 years.

Terri Sawkins has been blind since 1980 after suffering from a condition known as retinitis pigmentosa, a hereditary eye disorder.

She has now got a job with Essex Cares’ sensory team providing “lived experience”

training to businesses and organisations which might have contact with people with sight or other sensory impairments.

Mother-of-two Terri, 56, who lives in Colchester, has undertaken voluntary work for blind organisations, access and planning groups for Essex County Council.

For the past few years, she has been involved in training Essex Cares staff so they can help people with sensory problems, such as severe sight and hearing impairment.

Essex Cares is expanding its service to the commercial world and Terri has now got her first job in 27 years.

She said: “I was buzzing with enthusiasm. It’s so great to be given this kind of opportunity at last. The information will be useful to people in the public sector, hospitals, surgeries and cafes and shops.

“I will be teaching them how to pick up on the clues someone might have a sensory loss and how to communicate with them.”

David Johnston, manager of the sensory team, said: “Terri is one in a million. You just can’t fault her enthusiasm.

“She is going to be a fantastic asset to the Essex Cares sensory service, to deaf-blind people.”

If your organisation is interested in accessing Terri’s help call 01245 256380.