Thunderstorms and the Walls of My Cataract Recovery

Support Raymond During Cataract Recovery

Raymond is a local Big Issue vendor recovering from cataract surgery with complications. While he heals he cannot sell on the streets and needs help to cover rent and appointments.

Every bit helps — donations keep Raymond housed and able to attend vital follow-up 

appointments. Thank you for your support. 🙏

This morning, the rain came down heavy. Thunder rolled across Immingham, and I just sat here, staring out the window.

Less than 20 metres away is the corner shop. Milk, bread, the simple things of daily life — but right now, they might as well be on the other side of the world. Since my second cataract surgery on 9 August 2025, I’ve been stuck indoors. Phaco burn, cornea folds, and stitches in the eye have left me recovering slowly, painfully, and with no choice but to avoid dust, wind, bright light… and now even rain.

Some people can still walk the kids to school or pop to the shop four times a day. Me? I can’t even step out the front door during a storm. My world has shrunk to these four walls, and each day I measure recovery not in weeks, but in whether I can manage to look at a screen, read a line, or make it through without pain.

It’s not self-pity — it’s just the reality of what cataract surgery complications can do to a person’s life.