A BLIND bowler says his lack of sight has not held him back from participating in his beloved sport and has urged others to follow suit.
When Harry Lawton, who hails from Darfield, first started the sport over 12 years ago, he never expected to hang on to his sporting prowess after his sight loss.
Harry bowls at St Aidan’s Church and is part of their indoor lawn bowling club and also plays for Darfield Bowling Club.
The 83-year-old was first diagnosed with macular degeneration 15 years ago, with glaucoma eventually robbing Harry of the rest of his sight.
The bowler has also suffered through a stroke and three heart attacks, but is still going strong.
Now, Harry can only make out ‘light and shadows’, but his limited vision is more than enough to keep his deadeye accuracy in the game.
Touting Meta glasses that can relay his surroundings in real-time and a white stick, Harry expertly bowls around obstacles challenging even the most talented members across both of his clubs.
Harry told the Chronicle of his experiences with sight loss and his enduring love for bowling.
“I started with macular degeneration about 15 years ago and glaucoma took the rest of my vision.
“When I started bowling, I still had a bit of sight left.
“At the moment, the memories of how I used to bowl between the two lines remain.
“I can just about see the white lines and I aim for that as I can’t see anything else.
“I didn’t get into it until after I retired but I’ve always been interested in watching bowlers make the wood turn right round.
“I enjoy the company, it gets me out.
“I go once a week to the Barnsley Blind and Partially Sighted Association and that helps, because you can talk to people who have similar problems.
“The thing I want people to realise is, if you’re disabled, there’s always something you can find to do to keep going.
“I was really down in the dumps but I was determined to not let my sight loss spoil what I was doing.
“Everything was a challenge, but now, there isn’t a lot of things that I can’t do.
“The clubs support me all the way, here and at Darfield.
“Nothing can hold me back when I’m bowling.
“Whatever you’ve got, come and give it a try, I’ll have a go at anything.
“Any abilities can join, we’ve got another matt and someone can show you what to do.
“Come and have a try, even if you don’t want to play, you might enjoy sitting and watching with refreshments and conversation
“It gets you out, it’s a good crowd.”
A spokesperson for Darfield Bowling Club added: “Harry used to compete for the club in the Barnsley bowling leagues and represented the club with pride.
“Over time, Harry has sadly experienced a progressive loss of eyesight.
“However, what stands out most is not what he has lost, but what he continues to do.
“Despite his visual impairment, Harry still plays bowls at the club and we like nothing better than seeing him bowling on a sunny afternoon.
“It’s a remarkable example of determination and love for the game.
“Harry is a valued and respected member of Darfield Bowling Club.
“His commitment, positivity and passion for bowls are an inspiration to everyone at the club.”
