Cathy's Story
Cathy and her sister were both born with a sight loss condition. Whilst she had some sight as a child, in her mid-twenties she lost it completely, to the extent that she now can’t make out light or shade.
“It was at that time,” Cathy says, “that I discovered Calibre, Although I had also learned braille, in those days there were not many books available in braille, I found so much more choice in audio.”
Cathy took a break from Calibre membership during a very busy time in her life when she had a baby, and then rediscovered us a few years later.
She prefers the postal USB service to streaming or downloading, and has several USB players from which she can choose.
She now has a very busy life working for the police, and commutes by train from her Hampshire home to London three days a week – the perfect opportunity to enjoy an audiobook!
“I love that it is so portable. Braille books are really large. With a Calibre book, on a USB stick with a portable player, I can listen on the train, I can listen at bedtime. You are always adding so many new books, and there is such a great variety.”
Cathy’s favourite reads are anything to do with nature, plus crime fiction and true crime. With her busy working life, she’s currently able to listen to one or two books each month. She loves to go for walks with her guide dog – but has decided not to try to walk and listen at the same time!
Cathy has special praise for our volunteers: “Calibre narrators are great. I love that they put so much expression into their reading. I benefit tremendously from your hard work and that of all the volunteers, readers, and all the other roles they play.”
And, she feels there are wider wellbeing benefits from our service:
“Listening to a Calibre audiobook is a really good escape, it transports you, it gives you a lift. And you get to hear about different cultures, you are educated about other aspects of life, you sometimes think ‘I had no idea things like that happened’ – it’s a learning tool as well.”
“Aside from my own listening, I always think about people who are isolated or housebound, who have the opportunity of enjoying Calibre books which I know will brighten up their days. Also, how it gives people something to talk to each other about. How many times do you hear sighted people talking about what they have seen on TV? For someone with sight loss, audiobooks give them that same opportunity.”
She is trying to persuade a partially-sighted friend who lives alone, to join. Although her friend uses a local library service, Cathy wants to encourage her to experience the wider choice that Calibre can offer.
“It’s a brilliant service, so important for people who are blind. Calibre does an invaluable job, quietly going about your business. Thank you.”