Blind Glastonbury volunteer says others should 'try it'

Women wearing sunglasses and hi-vis stands next to a man with sunglasses and hi-vis in front of an Oxfam stand in a field
Image caption,

Jacob Hare and his mum, Louise, have volunteered at more than six festivals

  • Published

A man has said that being blind has not held him back from volunteering at Glastonbury Festival.

Jacob Hare, 21, from Nottingham, is an Oxfam steward and encourages other people with disabilities and impairments to "definitely give it a go".

He said that while festivals can be "pretty tricky" at times, due to the different terrains and festival obstacles, he feels incredibly supported by his "Oxfamily".

Mr Hare, who attends the festival alongside his mum, Louise Potter, said he also could not do it without her and describes her as being his "second pair of eyes".

Man in hi-vis stamps woman's hand in a field in front of festival gate
Image caption,

Mr Hare has less than 10% of his vision remaining

He told BBC Radio Somerset that he tries to be as "capable as possible" when he is stewarding but said that there are some things that he "just can't do".

Mr Hare has less than 10% of his vision remaining and compares anything that he is still able to see as "blotchy" and as though he is "looking through a colander".

The 21-year-old student added: "My vision reduces a lot when it's dark and so getting around is made even harder, but Oxfam has been really good and has made any adjustments that I need."

Mr Hare and his mum said that they enjoy going to Glastonbury Festival together and hope that more people with disabilities and impairments will give stewarding a go.

Being blind and volunteering at Glastonbury

Nottingham student Jacob, who is blind, volunteers for Oxfam with mum Louise from Kent.

Mr Hare also describes Oxfam as "such a lovely community" and said that there are "always familiar faces around to ask for a hand".

He added: "If you can do it and want to do it, then definitely give it a go."

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