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ASSISTING those less fortunate than herself, despite her deteriorating vision, is number one on the priority list for Che?ryl Halford of Grassy Park.

Cheryl (42) has been doing community work for the past three years and has a registered non-profit organisation called "Reach Out".

Her organisation was launched last year after she had a life-changing encounter with the need surrounding her.

"I was looking after this baby and I didn't know that she was HIV positive," Cheryl says. "She later died."

While shopping at Ottery Hypermarket, Cheryl met a woman from the Aids Trust.

"I spoke to the woman and told her what had happened to the little baby. The woman helped me start my organisation, helping me to register and fill out the paperwork."

Cheryl has four of her own children as well as two foster children in her home. She also feeds children at Montagu's Gift Primary School, visiting the school twice a week to give the children fruit.

But although she helps those in need, she is also fighting her own battles.

"Twelve years ago I was diagnosed with Stargardt's Disease, a form of macular dystrophy. It just happened very suddenly. Everything went blurry in front of me.

"At that stage I felt as though I was going to lose everything."

But she says that through God's grace, she managed to "swim instead of sink".

Eight years ago she joined the League of the Friends of the Blind in Grassy Park and says that at the time, she did not feel that she was ready to learn braille or computer skills.

"But the next year I decided that I would be going for braille and computer lessons," says Cheryl.

Although Cheryl regards herself as a very independent woman, she says that her husband is her support base. "I have a very good husband. He helps me wherever he can, even with the organisation."

Due to her work with Reach Out, Cheryl was nominated for LOFOB's Blind Woman of the Year award for 2006. The award will be conferred at a special function on Saturday

"I am very excited about the nomination," she says. Regardless of whether or not she wins, Cheryl says she will continue with her community work because she does not do it for re?cognition but rather to help others. "If I win, it will make me a more effective person in the community. It will definitely open more doors for me, which will help me help more people in my community."

Cheryl has big dreams for the future. She hopes to open a safe house and is currently seeking a vacant plot or building.

"We want to start workshops with young children and teens," says Cheryl.

Cheryl thanks everybody who has assisted her with her community work by donating food and other items.

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