Blind mum setting aside own disability to help others become more independent

A blind mum-of-two is setting aside her own disability to help others become more independent.

Despite being visually impaired from birth and now completely blind, Louise Clarke Sutherland from Saltburn works hard to raise funds for charity and is a seasoned supporter of Marske Hall care home.

Last year she zipwired from the Baltic Arts Centre across the Tyne alongside her daughters Charlotte and Francesca and raised more than £1,000 for the cause

And she is now finalising plans for a spring ball at the Spa Hotel in Saltburn to help raise more funds for the charity.

Run by Leonard Cheshire Disability, Marske Hall supports up to 30 residents to be more independent and do things that are important to them.

Money raised at the event will be used to purchase specialist equipment to enable service users at Marske Hall to access activities to enrich their quality of life. Cash raised from past events has funded holidays and visits from outside companies such as Zoolab.

Louise, 48, who lives with her husband Ian and their daughters in Saltburn, has been involved with Marske Hall since 1995, including 10 years as a member of the management committee.

She said: “I moved on from the committee as I had other commitments but I still want to help out where I can.

“I am really excited about the spring ball and incredibly grateful for the help and support from the Spa Hotel.

“The evening promises to be a fun way to get together with friends, enjoy a meal and entertainment and help raise money for a fantastic local cause.”

The charity spring ball will take place on Friday, March 13, at 7pm.

Tickets are £30 each and include a three-course meal, music and entertainment. Call Louise direct on 07775 610745 for tickets or to donate raffle prizes.