A medical student has started a fundraising campaign help blind and deaf people.
Maddie Pritchard took on a short study placement at North East Sensory Service (Ness) and was immediately inspired by the work the charity does.
She was assigned to a project which explored the effect of having a sensory impairment on access to healthcare, and spent two weeks with volunteers finding out what life was like for deaf and blind people.
She said: “Before starting my placement, I had a rough idea of the work that Ness did.
“But it was not until I was actually there, witnessing their work firsthand, that I could appreciate the range of services that Ness had to offer – and also the quality.
“Speaking to many service users made me appreciate how Ness had helped transform many of their lives.”
Aberdeen Medical School has now introduced sensory awareness training into its curriculum and Ms Pritchard has started a fundraising group to raise vital cash for the charity.
The local organisation has been operating for 140 years with the aim of achieving independence for dead and blind people.
It is also the first integrated joint sensory service in Scotland.
Ms Pritchard added: “I cannot fault Ness, the work they do is truly amazing and that is why I wish to help support them.”
