Zena's Story

In 1976 at the age of 9, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. My diabetes has always been difficult to control and, without the kinds of treatments available today, at the age of 30 I unfortunately became sight impaired.

To say it was a shock is an understatement, however I’m not one to sit around and feel sorry for myself. I was sent off to the RNIB in the UK for 3 months and taught “ How to be blind”. It was very difficult as I had to leave my husband and 7 year old son behind. When I came back I had to rebuild my 

“ new life”. This is where my mum came in. She had been attending pottery classes and convinced me to tag along with her.

Skip 20 years and I now have my own small pottery business and have been a member of Genuine Jersey for 12 years. I take part in lots of local markets and also rent a space at The Harbour Gallery. I must add that without my amazing husband Simon I would never have been able to achieve the things I have since my sight loss.