Published author and lace-making expert Liz has always loved reading. When a stroke robbed her of her sight nearly 25 years ago, she thought her life was over. Discovering Calibre Audio changed her mind.

“Losing your sight is devastating. Things you took for granted are suddenly difficult, if not impossible. And when you become different, other people don’t know how to treat you. That’s hard too.

“Reading was always part of my world. I love how books can lift you out of a situation. I needed that sense of escapism and perspective more than ever after my stroke – but it was hard to hold a book and impossible to read it.

“Joining Calibre Audio helped me resume normality. I discovered you can bridge the sighted and unsighted worlds with a single step providing you can read. Just by opening my ears and listening, I can still be part of everything I always loved. It made me wake up and realise I’m still here and life continues.

“I typically listen to about two audiobooks a week for research purposes and at least another two for pleasure. It gives me back a purpose and sense of connection I thought I’d lost forever. From the friendly chats with the Calibre team as they help me navigate the library for research purposes, to the infectious enthusiasm of the volunteer narrators, and the excitement of the books arriving in the post – I love everything about it.

“It’s no exaggeration to say that I couldn’t live or manage without audiobooks.”