South East London Sight Loss Council: Meet the members

Liam O'Carroll

Liam was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at the age of 6 and was registered blind aged 11. He took up the role of Sight Loss Coordinator for the South in January 2023 and is currently the interim Engagement Manager for London Sight Loss Councils.

Liam first joined Thomas Pocklington Trust in 2016. He was later seconded to London Vision, where he worked for five years as Project Coordinator.

Before joining TPT, Liam worked freelance as an actor, performing in roles in television, radio and theatre.  He studied English and Drama at Roehampton University and later gained a Masters at the University of Wales, Bangor. Here, he specialised in Arthurian tradition in twentieth-century fiction.

In his spare time, Liam enjoys writing fiction, reading literature, listening to audio described telly and playing board games.

Steven Reed

Steven has been a professional actor for over 20 years, performing on the large and small screen, as well as in theatre. When beginning his sight loss journey, Steven thought his acting career was over. However, the theatre company Extant helped him rediscover his love of performing and see things differently. As such, his career has continued to flourish.

Diagnosed with Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) in July 2014, Steven has central vision loss. He attended a ‘Living with Sight Loss’ course run by the RNIB in the spring of 2015 and said:

“This peer support course really helped me to overcome some of the barriers I was facing in my daily life. As a result I’m a passionate advocate for the power of peer support. This inspired me to volunteer, and I became a facilitator on the course. In 2020 I became the secretary of my local sight loss organisation, Blind in Greenwich, working closely with other societies and committees across London.”

Denise Brennan

Denise became a volunteer with London SLC in 2023, and has now moved over to South East London SLC.

She was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa in early childhood and is registered severely sight impaired.

Denise works as a social worker and in her spare time, enjoys jazz, dancing, walking and painting landscapes.

She said: “I joined London Sight Loss Council to help campaign for better access and services for visually impaired people.”

Lola Lee-Walsh

Lola was diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease in 2004 at Moorfields Eye Hospital. Her sight has deteriorated considerably in that time as her macular has degenerated, leaving her to rely on her peripheral vision more and more.

Lola worked as a Management Training Consultant for most of her career, both freelance, and with some large blue-chip organisations.

Lola is married, with three children and five grandchildren.

She said: “By being a SLC member, I hope to increase my confidence and self-esteem through the value I can bring to this role.

“I applied to South East London SLC as I want to be an advocate for blind and partially sighted people. I want to create change that benefits not only myself and the sight loss community, but also those who I share our lived experience with.”

Emilia Okoye

Emilia was born with ocular albinism. She is registered as sight impaired, and lives in South East London.

Emilia is a dedicated Manchester United supporter and speaks at many events relating to disabilities.

Emilia said: “It’s important for individuals who are blind and partially sighted to be involved in making London a better place in terms of accessibility and services. I joined the Sight Loss Council as I want to play my part in making a difference.”

Jordan Brennan

Jordan is 24 and has been vision impaired since birth. His sight loss is caused by an optic nerve glioma, which is a byproduct of Neurofibromatosis.

Jordan enjoys listening to music and audio books and is passionate about technology and cyber security.

Jordan said: “I want to volunteer with Thomas Pocklington Trust because I believe that I can bring my own personal and unique lived experiences to South East London Sight Loss Council. I want to work with other volunteers to improve the lives of other blind and partially sighted people in London. In addition, I hope to improve my own confidence and independence, which will lead me to gaining even more valuable experience.”

Ching Chau

Ching was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa during her first year at university in Hong Kong. In October 2022, she relocated to the UK to begin a new chapter in her journey and now lives in Bromley. She was registered as severely sight impaired in 2023.

Ching enjoys cooking, yoga, walking, and practising Wing Chun, a Chinese martial art. She is resourceful in finding creative ways to overcome daily challenges and is passionate about sharing her ideas to support others.

Since moving to the UK, Ching has received mobility training and technology support from Kent Association for the Blind and Thomas Pocklington Trust. These have made a significant difference in her life and inspired her to support others.

She said: “I am excited to be part of South East London Sight Loss Council where I can contribute my ideas to improve the lives of blind and partially sighted people in my community, as well as meet new people and make friends.”

Katherine H

Katharine is partially sighted due to a condition believed to be Stargardt disease, which affects her macula, and is currently under investigation. Her personal experience inspires her passion for accessibility and inclusion in everyday life.

She has built her career in events, turning her love of organisation into engaging, memorable experiences. Outside work, she loves going to gigs and festivals and is a keen advocate for making these spaces more accessible.

Originally from Cheshire, Katharine has called London home for over a decade. She lives with her husband Dean, their young baby Arlo – and two mischievous rabbits, Bugsy and Thea. When friends and family visit, she enjoys playing tour guide, showing off the city she loves, while also travelling further afield, ticking off countries and cities from her to-see list.

Katharine said: “ I am thrilled to join the South West London Sight Loss Council and look forward to using my experience to help make my local community – and London itself – more accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for people with sight loss.”

Ola Famudele

Olanrewaju was diagnosed with Glaucoma in 2007. He is registered severely sight impaired and lives in South East London.

He enjoys playing guitar, writing poetry and music, and has shared some of his songs publicly. Olanrewaju has a professional background in insurance, marketing, and music, and enjoys helping others discover who they are and achieve their goals.

He says: “I’m excited to join the Sight Loss Council and to contribute to creating a more inclusive and supportive community for people with sight loss.”