Plan International A Life Transformed by RNIB’s Talking Books Peoples Post Code Lottery Hillsborough Disaster Survivor
In the quiet town of Merseyside, the extraordinary story of Glen Flatley stands as a testament to resilience and hope, greatly aided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People’s (RNIB) Talking Books program. Glen, a survivor of the Hillsborough disaster, has faced unimaginable challenges. With the generous support of players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, Glen’s journey from despair to empowerment is a powerful narrative of triumph over adversity.
Surviving Hillsborough: The Beginning of Glen’s Struggles
Glen was only 19 when he witnessed the horrors of the Hillsborough disaster, Britain’s worst sporting tragedy, which claimed 97 lives, including that of a family friend. The trauma left Glen with severe anxiety and panic attacks that persisted daily. As he grappled with the psychological scars of that day, another devastating blow came: a diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), a condition that led to complete blindness by the age of 30.
Turning Darkness Into Light
The trauma of Hillsborough and the rapid loss of his sight could have easily consumed Glen. Instead, he found a lifeline in the RNIB’s Talking Books program, supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery. This free service provides books in accessible formats for blind and partially sighted individuals, offering Glen not only solace but also a gateway to endless adventures and learning.
Glen recalls his first encounter with Talking Books, a moment that changed his life forever. “I had never read a book in my life apart from in school… the ones I had to read. I remember putting The Eye of the Tiger into the Talking Books player and being instantly gripped. I read it over a weekend and was captivated by it.”
A Path to Education and Employment
With his newfound passion for reading, Glen realized he could aspire to more. Motivated by the stories he listened to, he pursued further education, enrolling at the Royal National College for the Blind and later at the University of Central England, where he became a qualified vision rehabilitation worker. Glen’s journey of self-improvement culminated in a meaningful career as a Trust Fundraising Executive at the RNIB, a role he has proudly held since 2008.
Overcoming New Challenges
Despite his achievements, life continued to test Glen. He was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor that threatened to rob him of his hearing, a prospect he finds deeply troubling. Yet, Glen’s spirit remains unbroken. “RNIB’s Talking Books is helping me to stay calm. Getting lost in a good book really does help me to forget about my worries and fears and helps keep anxiety and panic at bay.”
The Role of the People’s Postcode Lottery
The remarkable impact of Glen’s story is a direct result of the support from players of the People’s Postcode Lottery. Their contributions have made it possible for RNIB to offer the Talking Books program free of charge, ensuring accessibility for thousands of visually impaired individuals. This generosity has empowered people like Glen to lead fulfilling lives despite their disabilities.
Kathleen Spencer Chapman, Director of Communications and Advocacy at Plan International UK, highlights the significance of such support: “Support from People’s Postcode Lottery players enables us to work with girls through innovative projects like the JANO programme in Bangladesh, so that their voices are heard and their rights are realized.”
Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, adds: “Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have been supporting Plan International since 2017, raising £15.6 million to help with their work for children’s rights and equality for girls around the world. Thanks to our incredible players, Plan International can support other girls and young people just like Akhimoni, Pallabi, and Razia, and make a difference to so many other lives.”
A Future of Hope
Glen’s story is one of resilience, love, and unwavering support. As he faces new challenges, including the potential loss of hearing, Glen remains hopeful and thankful. “Going blind gave me more confidence in myself. It made me a much stronger person and more resilient,” he reflects.
With the unwavering support of his wife Gillian and the continued assistance from RNIB and the People’s Postcode Lottery, Glen looks forward to the future with gratitude and determination. His journey serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible impact that community support and accessible resources can have on transforming lives.
The courage of Glen Flatley is not just his own but a shared triumph, celebrated and supported by a community that believes in the power of perseverance and the potential within every individual, regardless of their challenges.
