A ROMSEY woman is helping to raise money for Guide Dogs after her companion Lily “transformed her life”.

Nicky West is organising a charity concert to give back to the organisation that she says helped her to fully contribute to life.

Nicky, from Romsey, has been visually impaired since birth, and says she felt very isolated growing up.

She said: “I grew up with the belief that no employer would pay me to work, as I didn’t have value.

“When I was a baby, the consultant told my parents that I would only be able to get a job screwing bottle tops in a factory. SO the bar was set for me, at an early age.”

Nicky plucked up the courage to begin volunteering to build her confidence, travelling to Southampton by herself. Just a few weeks after starting, she was hit by a car, and said her confidence was shattered in an instant.

Nicky added: “Looking back, it was the best thing that happened to me, as it gave me the courage to dig deep and contact Guide Dogs for help.

“Now, I have Lily, I have a paid job and I am confident, happy and fully contributing to life. So this is my thank you to Guide Dogs.”

The concert is a collaboration with Romsey Voices and Romsey Youth Choir to raise money for them.

It will be held at the Romsey Abbey United Reformed Church and is priced at £10 for adults.

The concert will take place at the URC from 7pm on October 5.

Tickets are available from Romsey Holistic Beauty on Bell Street, Guide Dogs on Chilworth Road and DN White Opticians in Market Place.

Nicky said: “We hope to raise enough money to help Guide Dogs to transform someone else’s life.”