A Year I Will Never Forget — Fighting Blindness, Organ Failure & My Own Survival

Some years test you.
Some years break you down to rebuild you.
And some years, you survive only through sheer will and the strength you didn’t know you had.

2025 has been that year for me.
The hardest year of my life.
A year I almost didn’t make it through.

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The Day My World Went Dark — 18 May 2025

I lived for over a decade with one blind eye due to cataracts.
My right eye was my only vision — my connection to the world.

Then, on 18 May 2025,  I lost 99.99% of my sight in that eye.

One moment I could see — the next, the world disappeared.

I didn’t lose just my vision.
I lost independence, confidence, and the life I knew.

Suddenly, everyday tasks became battles.
Every step was faith, not sight.

I told myself,
"One thing at a time. I’ll fight through this."

I didn’t yet know life had another storm waiting.

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Flashback — My First Fight for Life (2003)

This wasn’t the first time life tried to take everything from me.

Back in 2003, pancreatitis nearly killed me while I was living in the USA. I had to come home urgently — with nothing but the clothes I was wearing. No bags. No belongings. Just life-or-death urgency.

I will never forget 5 November 2003.
As I was on the flight home, the Grimsby Evening Telegraph ran a front-page story about me, calling on local airlines to help get me back safely.
My community stood up for me when I had nothing left.

I survived then.
I rebuilt then.
And I never forgot the people who stood with me.

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October 2025 — When My Heart Failed

Fast forward to October 2025… and I found myself in another fight for survival.

Pain hit me — pain like I knew from pancreatitis. I assumed it was just another flare. But something felt different. The fatigue. The breathing. The feeling that my body was shutting down.

I called 999 — and that call saved my life.

Admitted from 15 to 22 October 2025, I learned the truth:

Severe Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction (EF 20%)
My heart was barely working. Multi-organ involvement.

I wasn’t just sick.
I was close to losing everything again.

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7 Life-Saving Tablets — and a New Fight

Now, every day starts and ends with 7 life-saving medications:

• 3 once a day

• 2 twice a day

These tablets aren’t optional — they’re literally what keeps me alive.
I attend follow-ups. I don’t miss a dose. I fight every single day.

Some people wake up and check their phone.
I wake up and check my pill box.

And I remind myself — I’m still here.

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What This Year Has Taught Me

2025 took my sight.
It threatened my heart.
It forced me to relearn life from darkness.
It made me confront fragility — again.

But it also gave me:

• Perspective

• Strength I didn’t know I had

• Gratitude for the smallest victories

• A voice to speak up and warn others

Pain changes you.
Survival transforms you.

And I am not done fighting.

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My Message to You

Do not ignore symptoms.
Do not assume “it’s the same as before.”
Do not wait, hoping it will pass.

If your body whispers, listen.
If it screams, act fast.

I survived because I called.
You can too.

And if you are fighting your own battles — seen or unseen — please know this:

You are not alone.
You are stronger than you think.
And your story isn’t over.

Mine isn’t either.
I’m still here.
Still fighting.
Still walking my road — one step into the dark at a time, hoping each step brings more light.

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💛 How You Can Support My Journey

I’ve spent month's proudly selling The Big Issue in my town — not just as a job, but as a way to stay part of the community, contribute, and keep my dignity while rebuilding my life.

Right now, due to blindness complications and severe LVSD with EF 20%, I am medically banned from driving and working.
This condition is DVLA-reportable, meaning I legally cannot drive or return to work at the moment for safety reasons.

Despite everything, I am still fighting — and still trying to stay independent.

If you would like to support me through this recovery:

📰 Buy The Big Issue online in my name
This helps me earn the same way I always tried to — through honest work and community support.

💛 Optional PayPal Support Link
For anyone who wishes to help me while I am unable to work due to medical restrictions.

Every bit of support means more than I can ever express — whether that’s a purchase, a message, or simply reading my story and raising awareness.

Thank you for standing by me through the darkest chapters and helping me fight for brighter ones.

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. 🙏