Linda's 'sightseeing' trip to Italy

From the archive, first published Monday 16th Apr 2007.

A woman who lost her sight 12 years ago realised her dream when she visited Italy independently as part of a Channel 4 documentary.

Linda Hanson, 46, of Low Moor couldn't believe her luck when she was asked to film in Florence over four days as part of a "Sightseeing Blind" documentary.

The former dinner lady was selected by blind director Amar Latif, who was struck with the same incurable eye condition as Linda, Retinitis Pigmentosa, and who starred in BBC2's "Beyond Boundaries" series.

A friend put Linda's name forward after spotting an advert for the documentary. Linda said: "I never thought I would be picked, I was short-listed and then my family and I were interviewed at my home. When I got the phone call and the yes', I just thought what a chance in a lifetime."

The grandmother-of-two was teamed with 21-year-old night club bouncer from Brixton, known only as "Hashi", who became her eyes for the trip.

Hashi had never interacted with a blind person before and the documentary looked at how the two managed to establish a relationship to get the most out of their trip.

Hashi was a natural guide, according to Linda, and she was impressed with how well he described the art and architecture of the city. But, there were certain tasks Hashi couldn't help her with.

She explained: "My husband, Stephen, usually puts my make-up on and gets my clothes ready, laying them out on the bed. But these were things I couldn't ask Hashi to do - he's a similar age to my daughters! To me, these were personal things I had to do myself."

One sight-seeing opportunity Linda took up, which she says she may not have done if she had been with her family, was climbing the 463 steps up Florence's famous cathedral. She said: "Hashi just said why shouldn't you be able to do it', so, with encouragement, I did and it was wonderful. The city was breath-taking, and it is quite a good place for blind people because of the amount of sculpture you can feel."

She added: "Members of my family know what I like doing and what I don't like doing, they do a lot for me and you get used to it and rely on them.

"The experience has made me more independent, I know what I am capable of doing and what I'm not. I would definitely do it again."