While most people may take the ability to see for granted, around 100 people start to lose their eyesight everyday.

To mark Lions World Sight Day, Helen Taylor, deputy editor of the Matlock Mercury, took part in a ‘blind trial’ and agreed to carry out a few simple tasks while blindfolded.

Helen said: “I must admit my sight was something I took for granted.

“I do not wear glasses and have never suffered from any sight related difficulties, so when I put on the blindfold and left the office with my guide for the day, Roy Hooton, I was completely unprepared for the effect it would have.”

Helen’s task was to walk from the newspaper’s offices to the shops, buy something and walk back – a simple task that left her feeling distressed, dizzy and overwhelmed by the experience.

Helen said: “The general traffic noise on Causeway Lane felt more like that of Piccadilly Circus and people who were giving me a wide berth felt as if they were walking fast towards me and diverting at the last minute.

“When in Woolworths the smell of confectionery, which I had never noticed before, was very strong and I found out just how trusting you have to be when holding your hand out with cash for assistants to take the right amount.

“Every single lump and bump of the pavement felt like a deep ravine and regular stumbles made my balance very poor.”

Intrigued by the experience, Helen decided to take the blindfold home and wear it when she sat down for Sunday dinner.

Even with help from those around her Helen became frustrated, with many an empty fork.

“But two things struck me,” said Helen.

“Firstly the food tasted better than ever before, partly because my senses were heightened and also because I wasn’t thinking about the next mouthful, and secondly identifying the food is very difficult relying on taste and smell alone.

“This experience has certainly brought home to me how important it is to understand that blind people have to rely on others almost constantly no matter how independent they wish to be.”

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