A WOMAN who suffers from an eye condition has had the vision to set up a group to help other people coping with sight loss.

Frances “Fay” Jones MBE has organised several groups on Anglesey to help people with sight problems. Fay, who has Macular Degeneration, has spent the last 12 years volunteering, fundraising and championing the needs of other blind and partially sighted people.

Registered blind, Fay, who is 76, and from Holyhead, is helping people with their own sight loss to enjoy books, knitting and a chance to socialise.

Since her own diagnosis, she has been helped by the Royal National institute for Blind, through Ysbyty Gwynedd. She has been instrumental in setting up a unique initiative on Anglesey - the RNIB Cymru Listening Book Group.

The group gets people together to read books together and then chat about them.

Fay said: “The success of a group set up in Holyhead has led to starting up another group at Menai Bridge, with plans to set up two more bilingual groups on Anglesey. It is very important for people with sight loss to get out and meet up with people, losing your vision can be very isolating for people.”

The Welsh Libraries service now plans to work with Fay to roll out groups out across libraries in Gwynedd and Conwy.

Fay has also started “knit and natter” groups for people to enjoy socialising whilst knitting or crocheting, whilst also helping to raise money for charity.

Ansley Workman from RNIB Cymru said: “Fay has made so much difference to people’s lives.

“She believes that it is as much about books as it is socialising. Many people with sight loss issues feel very isolated, which is why Fay’s initiatives are so important.”

“We are so grateful for Fay’s commitment which helps us to support the 107,000 people with sight loss in Wales.”

Fay also received her MBE for her work fundraising for Ysbyty Gwynedd.

A listening book group is held at Holyhead Library on the first Thursday of the month, from 1pm-3pm, and at Menai Bridge Library, on the first Wednesday of the month, from 1pm- 3pm.

A sight loss knit and natter group is being held at Holyhead Library every other Monday, from 1pm and a group also meets at Menai Bridge on the first Wednesday of each month, from 10.30-12noon.

For more information contact or Holyhead Library 01407 762917 or Menai Bridge Library 01248 712706.

Refreshments are available and transport can be arranged.