A YOUNG sufferer of deaf-blindness is determined to raise awareness of her condition and help others with limited to no vision and hearing.
Ellen Watson, 17, was born with 80 per cent hearing loss and after a childhood of relying on her vision, she began to lose her sight.
Last December, Ellen was diagnosed with a genetic disease called Usher Syndrome and by April she was registered blind.
Over the last 12 months, Ellen and her family and friends have organised various fundraising events in aid of charities which have helped both Ellen, and others deal with the shock, adjustment and practicality of living with the syndrome.
Ellen lives with her mother Amanda, stepfather Simon, half-sister Harriet, 13, and half-brother Reuben, eight, in Horsley.
She said: "I was in denial when I was diagnosed. I knew that my sight was getting worse but I didnÕt want to address it.
"A charity called SENSE arranged meetings with other people with the condition and it was these people that helped me come to terms with it.
"I was encouraged to learn Braille and how to use a long cane so I could get my independence back.
"I feel that I owe a lot to the charities that have helped me."
With the help of teaching assistants, Ellen is currently studying for A-levels in history and geography at Rednock School where she will stay for a further two years to take up two more subjects.
The teenager has limited vision so teachers print off hand-outs on A3 paper in a large font.
Besides fundraising, Ellen has been raising awareness of her condition by speaking at her school assemblies, at local events and visiting primary schools in the area.
Recently, students at Ellen's former stage school, Shine on Stage, dressed up and took part in a dance-off at Stroud High School set to Michael JacksonÕs hit single Thriller which raised £257 for SENSE.
Stage school owner Alice Jackson, said: "As a popular member of the school and also helper to the younger pupils, Ellen's diagnosis was met with a feeling of disbelief and a desire to help out."
Ellen has organised a formal dinner at Horsley parish church on Saturday, December 8.
There will be canapes, cocktails and dinner followed by entertainment, a raffle and an auction.
Tickets are £45 and available from Horsley Community Shop with all proceeds to Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and SENSE, the UK deafblind charity.
