Unsung hero: praise for volunteer who reads to the blind

Kingston Association for the Blind has praised a long-serving volunteer it calls its “little handyman.”

Grandfather John Johnson, 67, has spent a decade reading newspapers aloud, taking people shopping and changing light bulbs for the blind.

The retired former Thames Water employee volunteers for the weekly eye buddies scheme that helps blind people with day-to-day activities.

Mr Johnson also helps with a fortnightly social club for networking and a lawn balls sporting club for bowlers.

One of the things that amazes him the most is the quality of art that can be produced by people without good vision.

Over his time as a volunteer Mr Johnson recalled a friend who loved to be taken on long walks by the Thames.

Mr Johnson, who lives in King Charles Crescent in Surbiton, first got involved in volunteering about 10 years ago when he was given a flyer by Kingston Association for the Blind while shopping in Surbiton.

In his spare time the dedicated volunteer and father-of-three enjoys brewing beer at home and often competes with his son in a best brew challenge.

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