AN east Belfast woman has spoken of her delight that children with sight problems will be able to reach their potential with the help of a lottery grant - just like her two-year-old child.
Esther Small's daughter Victoria was diagnosed as being severely sight impaired at just four months old, as well as suffering from a rare neurological condition, Joubert syndrome.
But since the diagnosis, they have been supported by Guide Dogs NI and Blind Children UK (NI), which Mrs Small described as their "lifeline".
The organisations are now to benefit from a £700,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund, which will go towards a five-year 'Family Focus' project.
It works with families with children aged up to four with a visual impairment who may also have other health needs.
It is one of nine projects awarded £6,274,146 million funding today from the Big Lottery Fund's Supporting Families programme.
"It’s fantastic that this new project will help more families in a similar situation to us," said Mrs Small.
"I know that these charities have been an invaluable source of advice and support to us over the last 18 months and Victoria has also benefited greatly from this early intervention that is so crucial for visually impaired children."
