A BARNSLEY man who lost his sight overnight after battling sepsis is set to dance independently again for the first time since the life-changing setback - and he’s hoping to inspire others to find ‘light in the darkness’.
Five years ago Lee Roberts’ life changed in an instant and what began as a dental problem - which he was unable to get treatment for during the Covid-19 lockdown - spiralled into a life-threatening fight.
While Lee survived against the odds, the illness permanently damaged his kidneys and caused him to lose his sight ‘at the flick of a switch’.
And, as the nation prepares to tune in for the Strictly Come Dancing final on BBC One this weekend, the 45-year-old - inspired by last year’s winner Chris McCausland, who is blind - discovered a love of ballroom and Latin dancing, proving that sight loss shouldn’t be a barrier.
Now, with his first guide dog Isha by his side, Lee, from Stairfoot, says he has both the confidence and independence to keep dancing towards an exciting future.
He told the Chronicle: “It stemmed from what was a simple thing: not being able to get dental treatment during the pandemic.
“I spent three months in hospital - I even remember seeing for the last time and closing my eyes.
“It was literally like drawing the curtains and then it was gone.
“I was told I had a 15 per cent chance of survival but I was fit, healthy and unbelievably determined.
“I immediately wanted to get up and about and not let this get in my way.
“Within a week I’d learned how to use a long cane and I took to it quite quickly because I have a good sense of direction.”
After being discharged from hospital, Lee moved in with his parents while he adapted to life without sight.
With support from the Barnsley Sensory Service, he quickly learned how to navigate independently.
From the outset, Lee knew he wanted a guide dog.
Earlier this year, at an open day, Lee met Isha - a big, affectionate labrador-poodle cross with boundless energy.
“She came straight over, gave me a huge kiss and I just knew she was the one,” Lee said.
“I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d just met my guide dog.
“Luckily, the team from the charity, Guide Dogs, agreed we were the perfect match.”
Lee had followed last year’s Strictly winner’s career for years but hearing him compete, and eventually win, was the moment everything changed.
As the Strictly finalists prepare for their moment on the dancefloor this weekend, Lee hopes his own journey will inspire others.
“I remember thinking, ‘if he can dance, so can I’ - knowing Chris was on Strictly made me realise there was nothing stopping me giving it a go.
“For the past year, I have been learning ballroom and Latin dances, adapting routines using tactile cues, the clock-face method and careful pacing.
“Ballroom’s easier because you’re in hold - solo dances are more about balance and co-ordination, but my dance teacher Amanda Parker - who runs ParkerDance with her husband Alan on Cockerham Lane - and I work it all out together.
“Losing my sight led me to dancing - the best thing I’ve ever done.
“Chris inspired me and now I want to inspire others in the same way.
“What I kept saying when I left hospital was ‘we have to be positive’ and now, with Isha by my side, I’ve got my independence, a new love of dance, and a future I’m excited about.
“I want other people with sight loss, and other dance teachers, to see that with the right support, anything is possible.
“You truly can find light in the darkness.”
