Blind tourists holidaying in Guernsey for 26 years

Blind couple Jeff and Janie say their guide dogs "mean the world" to them

A blind couple who have been visiting Guernsey since 1999 have expressed their gratitude for the kindness of locals.

Eighty-year-old Jeff Johnson lost his sight in his 30s, while his wife Janie, 76, was born blind.

The Staffordshire couple said while footpaths in St Peter Port could be uneven, the friendly attitude of islanders made up for it.

A combined statement from the Committees for Health and Social Care and Employment and Social Security said it was "continually reviewing its policies to ensure they are best practice and appropriate for the time".

Island accessibility

Mr and Mrs Johnson have been staying at Les Rocquettes Hotel on the island, along with their two guide dogs, Lilly and Davy, who "mean the world" to them.

Commenting on Guernsey's accessibility, Mr Johnson said: "With coming so often, we don't face any problems. We just carry on doing what we're doing."

The couple said they were recognised by locals every time they returned, and being remembered "makes it all worthwhile".

Mr Johnson explained the support they received when crossing the road: "If a car stops, I'll guarantee you it's a Guernsey-born person. It's just wonderful."

They said they enjoyed walks into St Peter Port and up to Val des Terres, as well as sampling various restaurants, where staff would willingly read menus to them.

They said they had developed lasting friendships over the years.

"As independent as we like to think we are, we're like everybody else, we need some help sometimes," they said.

The Johnsons said they had been previously told, as a blind couple travelling together, they "couldn't go" to other places.

But they have overcome this by organising help at the airport, where "there's a tremendous amount of good".

Mr Johnson added he would, however, like more recognition for the blind.

He said: "A lot of folk have said local blind people do not get any consideration at all."

In response, the States of Guernsey said: "Blindness may be considered a disability under the Prevention of Discrimination Ordinance, if it is a long-term impairment."

It went on to say that financial support "may be available depending on each person", to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis".

Mr Johnson explained the couple's outlook on life: "We have have a tremendous amount of accepting our own circumstances.

"Blindness has to live with me, it has to do as it's told.

"You just have to get on with it, because life is worth living."

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