Colchester: Rosie's blind but not beaten (From Gazette)

Colchester: Rosie's blind but not beaten

6:50pm Saturday 9th August 2008

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A YOUNG businesswoman has vowed to continue with her work despite going blind aged just 26.

Just as Rosie Amoss was throwing herself into trying to buy new hoists for Bounce Ability, which she runs at Severalls Industrial Park, she was struck down with a bout of serious ill health.

Mrs Amoss was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of six, and the loss of eyesight can be an extreme side effect of that condition, but not usually in someone so young.

“I have been diabetic since I was six, but it has been managed. Loss of eyesight can be a side effect of it, but it is usually in the elderly. It is rare for someone my age.

“But I just have to accept it and get on with it really.

“I have always had to have regular check-ups on my eyes, but it all started with a virus, that’s what triggered it off.

“My left eye is completely gone, there is no hope for it, but the doctors are still hoping they may be able to do something about the right eye, although at the moment I am completely blind, I cannot see anything,” she said.

She said it was “terrifying” when she realised she was losing her sight, but since then she has had a huge amount of support including from her husband of three years, Steven.

“He has been my rock. I have had to have about six operations, and it has been very tough,” she said.

Mrs Amoss, who suffered kidney problems as well, said she has had a lot of support from social services as she adjusts to her situation, including getting to grips with using a cane to walk with.

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