WPH Helps Talented Katie Turner Pursue Her Favourite Pastime
Katie Turner spends time every day pursuing her favourite hobby thanks to a grant from the WPH Charitable Trust.
With limited sight and movement Katie is able to pursue crafts such as diamond painting and crocheting using a speech magnifier purchased with the grant.
Katie, aged 22, who lives with mum Julie in Warwick, and was diagnosed with complex needs when she was seven years old.
When she was nine, she started to enjoy craft work but with limited sight has long relied on the use of a screen to help her see more clearly.
When her screen recently broke Katie was at a loss with what to do with herself. However, the RNIB put her in touch with the Coventry Resource Centre for the Blind where she learned of the WPH Charitable Trust and made an application for a replacement, at a cost of £3,565.
The WPH Charitable Trust agreed the grant in full.
Julie said among Katie’s favourite creations from over the years is a painting of her old dog Gabby.
“Katie is a different person when she’s crafting – she spends most of her time doing it from her bed,” Julie said.
“When her screen broke, she was devastated. She wouldn’t speak to anyone and completely shut down. It was frustration”.
“The Resource Centre loaned her a screen but the speech magnifier from WPH means she can put a book underneath and it will read the words to her or she can use it to see better when she is crafting.
“Not only this, but after learning of the Resource Centre for the Blind she is now crafting there too and is part of a community which has been great – she’s been on outings such as to the alpaca farm which she absolutely loved, so she still visits once a week.”
Julie added: “The WPH Charitable Trust has really made a difference to Katie’s life. This is something she will make use of time and time again for years to come. It has made Katie so happy again, and we’re really grateful. I really want WPH to know that!”.
