Braille art gift for girl born without eyes

Artist Clarke Reynolds presents Braille artwork to Margot and family

A one-year-old girl who was born without eyes has received a Braille artwork specially made by a blind artist.

Margot was born with a rare condition called bilateral anophthalmia, meaning her eyes and optic nerves never developed in the womb.

Clarke Reynolds, who is a visually impaired artist, presented the artwork to Margot and her family at their home in York.

Mr Reynolds said he was inspired by Margot's story, adding: "Something literally touched me in the heart. I wanted to do something."

Dad John Duffy-Moss said Margot was delighted with the artwork

Mr Reynolds first heard about Margot when he saw her story on BBC Breakfast and thought he could help.

The artwork is a pyramid of building blocks which spells Margot’s name in Braille, made using tactile material that encourages her to get used to the different textures.

The artwork has been designed so that Margot’s sister Bernie, aged two, can play alongside her sibling as well as learning Braille herself.

Margot's dad, John Duffy-Moss, said she was delighted with the artwork.

"As soon as we opened it, she was all over it, she was putting her hands on it, she was feeling every little bit of it. I think it’s lovely and Margot definitely does," he said.

Margot has regular therapy with Kate Reed from Guide Dogs to help her development

In April, Margot had silicone implants fitted into her eye sockets.

This is to stimulate the growth of her skull and face, preparing her for eventual prosthetic eyes.

This takes the number of surgeries Margot has had in her short life to more than 100.

Margot’s mum Laura Duffy-Moss said the most recent surgery had been one of the hardest as Margot was more aware of what was going on.

“But she also isn’t of the age that we can fully prepare her and explain to her what’s going to happen,” she said.

Margot has ongoing therapy for her condition which has helped her improve her speech.

Mr Duffy-Moss said: “Even in a space of a few months I’ve noticed a massive difference in Margot. Her speech has come along really well.

"She’s starting to really enjoy things like bouncing and jumping if you hold her.

"She’s turning into a real little person."

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