Leeanne’s Vision Loss Journey

Leeanne has a real passion for staying active and is always on the move. Whether it’s heading out for long walks, hitting the gym, or joining in on regular park runs, she enjoys keeping busy and challenging herself. She’s a member of her local Blind Low Vision NZ walking group and has pushed her limits by taking part in the 15km Papatowai Challenges. In September 2024 she and her sighted guide completed a half marathon walk in just over three hours.

Leeanne has overcome a number of challenges, both physical and personal. She was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) around age five, although she wasn’t a stranger to the condition as her mother, sister, and aunty also live with RP.

Leeanne grew up with partial sight, but at 21, her remaining vision faded rapidly over just a few months. Although it happened gradually in medical terms, to Leeanne it felt sudden and overwhelming.

The change was swift, and the loss was confronting. She could no longer go horse riding on her own and she lost her ability to read and write.

“You lose all of that in an instant, but losing my independence was the hardest part,” she shares. She had to adjust to her sight loss, but with an open mind and a determination to adapt, Leeanne hasn’t let anything hold her back.

Being part of her community is important to Leeanne. She enjoys monthly lunches with a local group, and life at home is always lively with her four children and two birds. Never one to sit still for long, she’s also taken on activities like tandem biking, archery, and half marathons. With the support of sighted guides, she’s able to keep doing the things she loves.

“Without that help from Blind Low Vision NZ, I wouldn’t have been able to do a lot of those things,” she says. “That would have been impossible.”

Next up for Leeanne? A half marathon in September, plenty of gym sessions, weekly horse riding with Riding for the Disabled – and no doubt more adventures to come.

If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, call Blind Low Vision NZ on 0800 24 33 33 or use the Make an Enquiry form on our Contact Us page.