Patricia honoured by sight-loss charity

PATRICIA SMITH

A MEMBER of the council’s support team for blind people has won a national award.

Patricia Smith received the Support and Community Rehabilitation Professional of the Year title at the Macular Society’s annual London conference.

The award recognises her work to improve the lives of people with macular degeneration, which affects the central vision and is the most common cause of blindness in the UK, especially among the elderly.

Ms Smith, who has been a communication guide for the last six years, said: “I am enormously proud to be given this award and to be representing the sensory team. This award shows the recognition of our team’s efforts in supporting many people with sight loss and I’m delighted to share it with them.

Phoebe Mercer, who has received help from Patricia and nominated her for the award, said: “Patricia has been an invaluable help both emotionally and practically. She has been reassuring and comforting and has found ways of solving issues I have encountered many times.”