Dianne and Hattie

As a working nurse and single mum of three, Dianne Woodford is no stranger to life’s challenges. Little, however, could have prepared her for the challenges posed by the loss of her sight in 2007 at age 38; the result of an aggressive case of meningitis.

However, through her extraordinary partnership with guide dog, Hattie, Dianne has been able to adapt to her loss of vision and continue an active, full and rewarding life.

Dianne says: “There’s no doubt that Hattie has changed my life. The first 10 months of sightlessness without her were dire. I felt lonely, isolated and unable to move outside with confidence.

“Caring for my children (Ella, Jo and Jamie), the youngest of whom was two when I lost my sight, was probably the most difficult and emotionally stressful challenge.

“But with Hattie, came a new independence. She gave me confidence to move around, go to the shops, take my children to school without assistance; to do those everyday things we all take for granted, but which I now value beyond anything, because they are my link to the outside world and to society.’

Indeed, Dianne claims that since losing her sight, she is more active than ever before, regularly indulging a penchant for unusual and extraordinary pursuits, including flying, rifle shooting and archery. She is also a very active volunteer for Guide Dogs. Hattie is able to guide Dianne safely round her home and the outside world, avoiding traffic and awkward routes, giving Dianne the confidence and independence to live life to the full.

She adds: “I do more now than I ever did before and that really is down to my partnership with Hattie. Since the loss of my sight, I’ve set up a charity (Visibility) that helps blind and visually impaired people to enjoy recreational exercise. I am also studying for a degree in Humanities with the Open University and training for the Bridlington Half Marathon in October. After that, I’ll be attempting a parachute jump!”