Blue Mile resident George was losing confidence and struggling to adapt to his new way of life after registering as fully blind following his diagnosis of a retinal degeneration disorder.

Everton in the Community’s Neighbourhood team, who work closely with the residents situated within a one-mile radius of Goodison Park, stepped in to support George after they were contacted by his neighbour asking if they could help.

During a visit to his home, the Neighbourhood team noted the living conditions were unfit for someone with George’s condition, particularly those in his kitchen, which had exposed walls and wires, as well as a number of trip and fall hazards.

In October 2019, the Neighbourhood team reached out to their colleagues from Everton's Stadium Operations department for help renovating George’s kitchen and, having heard about the daily challenges George faces, they agreed not only to carry out the work but cover the full cost of the project as well. 

“It’s been a rollercoaster of a last four years but I’m slowly getting back to myself and the Neighbourhood team have come around and the team have really helped me out with my kitchen," said George.

“Your eyesight is one of the most important things in your life to lose. I don’t want to go blind but it’s called life.

“I don’t consider myself as disabled - I want to get on and I want to carry on. I’ve got a job now, I’m moving forward and that’s what I want to do.

“It means so much to me, having a home that’s right.”

George is now a registered participant of Everton in the Community and is looking forward to working with the charity as a volunteer and being part of its disability programme in future.

Find out more about George’s story and how he has been helped by Everton’s Neighbourhood team in the video above or by clicking here.