Charlotte Clancy, aged 21, started to lose her sight through retinal dystrophy 10 years ago and recently reached a point where she was struggling to live independently.
Last September, she was able to get a place at RNIB College Loughborough and is now learning important new skills and really enjoying her time there.
A different girl
Don, Charlotte's grandfather was happy to tell us about the difference he has seen in Charlotte. "Since she has been at RNIB College Loughborough, she's a different girl."
Her mum Marion agrees, "Yes, we had the review about three weeks ago and I was so proud, I don't know how my head came out of the door! Charlotte's done so well. It's a very big change for her - they encourage her to get around independently and she's learning lots of life skills like shopping, cooking, budgeting and exchanging money.
It's a great help and each day is different, which is very stimulating for Charlotte and really gets her motivated. Since she's been there she's gained a nice set of friends and that really helps too."
Giving back
Don and his wife Rose have been so impressed with our work that they've decided to support us further by including a gift to us in their Will.
"We decided to leave something to RNIB in our Will because it's so gratifying to see what goes on at the college and we want to help in any way we can. Especially as, since our granddaughter came to Loughborough, she's really come on in leaps and bounds.
You are helping her so much, she is so important to us and she's doing so well. When you see the difference the college is making, you can't help but want to support RNIB when you see what they do and the support and opportunities they offer."
We rely on gifts in Wills to fund our vital work
Legacies left to us are extremely important, making up one third of our income. They enable us to provide the expert services, practical equipment and emotional support that children and young people with sight loss need to learn, develop and prepare for their lives ahead. This in turn allows them to realise their ambitions and look towards a much brighter future.
If you would consider helping us in this way please contact RNIB's Wills and Legacies Advisory Service or call us on 0845 600 0313 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
More information
The RNIB College Loughborough welcomes visits and enquiries. To learn more about the support available at the college, you can contact the Admissions team by
Find out more about the ways we ensure blind and partially sighted children and adults gain get the best out of education and learning.