'I didn't understand Shakespeare at school.
But now if I read it aloud, with expression, it makes
sense.'
Eighty-two year old James MacClancy of Cardiff is virtually
blind in one eye and sensitive to bright light, but with the aid of
special tinted glasses paid for by Independent Age he can read
plays, decipher cooking instructions on packets and admire the
display of daffodils in his garden.
As someone whom Independent Age helps, he knows he can
turn to us if he can't afford the essentials - as he did when we
replaced his worn-out overcoat and his TV, which he lost in a
burglary. But 20 years ago, when we first met him, the former
pharmacist had nowhere to turn, and was desperately short of money.
A Salvation Army volunteer told him about Independent Age and he
applied.
James's troubles started in 1977 when he became homeless after a
divorce. Three years later, he had a major operation on his lower
spine and never recovered enough to work again. By the time our
volunteer came to visit him, he was 63, suffering from degenerative
arthritis of the lumbar vertebrae, and living in a council bedsit
without even a proper chair to support his back.
Eventually the council found him a bungalow and we assisted with
grants towards removal costs and furnishing. We also helped him
with special glasses he needs, which he would never have been able
to afford without our help - and that's just one of the ways
in which we regularly help him.
James said: 'Independent Age has been wonderful.'
