A visually impaired man from Salford says he is grateful to a Salford organisation after being able to exercise for the first time since Covid.
Former bricklayer Tony Chorley, 74, became blind more than 20 years ago when scaffolding fell on top of him, causing his eyesight to worsen over time until he became completely blind.
He relied on guide dogs to help him over the years but has been without an assistance dog for two years, meaning he has been unable to exercise at the gym.
However the charity Empower Salford has been able to give him a lift to a gym in Eccles and back to his house.
Mr Chorley considers going to the gym as one of his motivations, as he used to go with his dog.
He said: “My whole life went completely flat. After I lost my dog my life was destroyed.
“Having a white stick is useless. It would never be the same as having a guide dog or a carer.”
Since Covid he faced a lack of volunteers to help him get out and about.
He said: “I would like to see more services and help to disabled people in Salford.”
Beyond Empower, an organisation based in Salford assisted by a group of volunteers, is dedicated to helping disabled people get back on their feet.
Eamonn Greene, Mr Chorley’s coach from Beyond Empower, says organisations like his support disabled people to achieve their lifestyle goals, but often find it hard to recruit volunteers.
Mr Greene said: “We do research on each person we help. For example, we keep them on track for eight months to see if we could do any improvements on their life and health.
“We’re working together to make Salford a better place to disabled people.”
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