Ottershaw Beauty up for National Award

Brenda said: "Becoming blind is a bit like a bereavement.

"All the simple things like making a cup of tea, doing the ironing, everyday things that people take for granted, become so difficult to do.

"I first learned that I would end up blind when I was pregnant with my first child about 28 years ago.

"I cried for days and didn't know what to do with myself, but I realised it was unfair on my husband, and I decided I wasn't going to live out my days at home. I wanted to get out and get on with things.

"I had a lot of help from the Surrey Association for Visual Impairment to help me adjust, and I wanted to give something back, so I volunteer through them now."

Brenda discovered she was going blind when she was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa and glaucoma, nearly 30 years ago.

But she gave birth to Gemma, now 27, and later Lisa, 22, and together with her husband Keith, they learned to adjust to her visual impairment.

She said: "I knew that pregnancy could speed up the process but I couldn't have got through all of this without my family."

Brenda has had a busy year, with her older daughter getting married in a couple of weeks time, her 30th wedding anniversary approaching, Lisa graduating law school, and a family bereavement, so is glad of the distraction the award has given her.

She added: "It was a huge honour to win the regional award and it has been a welcome distraction.

"But whether I win the national contest or not, I just think it's nice to know my daugters think so much of me."

To vote for Brenda, visit www.nivea.co.uk/raceforlife.