Colin’s Story

Hi everyone,
My name is Colin, I am 53 years young, and I live in Sandhurst, Berkshire, England (just down the road from Windsor Castle!!). I am married to a wonderful German lady named Jutta, and between us we have 4 children, and 3 gran-children.

In 1988, I had a spell of double vision and went to the optician for a checkup. He refered me to our local hospital, and I underwent 18 months of tests, by which time I was getting pretty well fed up and miserable. So, I went to Harley Street in London, to see a specialist. After just 2 sessions with him, he informed me that I had a condition called Stargardts Disease, and that in 10 to 15 years time, I would be blind! I was so shocked, and my wife and I found the nearest pub to drown my sorrows.

Anyway, here I am, 16 years later. I can still see (50%) and I am still working (just). I stopped driving on the 3rd October 2004, exactly 36 years after getting my driving licence.

In September of 2005,I bought my 1st computer, and I have found it invaluable. My step-son Markus, installed a ‘browser’ called OPERA. This enables the computer to read all written text to me. It’s fantastic!. but it breaks my heart to listen to all the stories on this website that involve young kids. I thought that this was an older persons disease.

Finally, because I have lived with this cursed condition for 16 years, I would love to hear from anyone who just wants to talk, especially if you have just been diagnosed and are worried about your future as I was.
You can contact me on:- c.titford@talk21.com