1 Laughing. At some of the lowest points in my life, it has been laughter that has seen me through. The day the doctor told me I would never see again was utterly devastating. My mum and I headed to the ladies bathroom to gain some composure. As we entered the toilets a rather large lady was coming out and we managed to get stuck with her, the three of us nose to nose, as we shuffled round each other. When we finally managed to free ourselves, my mum and I screamed with laughter.
2 Be a role model. When I lost my sight, I had never met anyone who was blind and I felt like there was no-one to whom to aspire. This is why my radio show is so important to me. Every week, I challenge myself to do something out of the ordinary such
as flying a helicopter or driving a racing car. I want to show both blind and sighted people that when you lose one of your faculties it is not "game over". You only get one chance at life, so follow your dreams and inspire others to do the same.
3 Baths. There is nothing I enjoy more than a relaxing bubble bath at night, to ease away the tensions and stresses of the day. To be honest, I tend to do most of my thinking in the bath and come up with my best ideas there. If I really want to treat myself, I'll crank up my iPod docking station, pop on some tunes, pour myself a huge gin and tonic, and let it all hang out!
4 Dancing. I am not a fan of working out per se, but I do believe in getting as much exercise as you can. I took up the tango as a great way to get my muscles moving and toned. Also, it's perfect for single ladies as you have to get up close and personal with your partner and it's a very sexy, sensual dance.
5 Ambition. When I lost my sight and I told people I wanted to have a career in the media, you could almost hear the laughter. But, if anything, this drove me on to become a success. I told myself I would rather fail trying, than regret not trying at all. To date, I have been a newspaper journalist, worked in television production, appeared in a movie and have a full-time radio career. Who knows what's next? The sky's the limit.
6 Food. I absolutely love my grub. A lot of people assume that because I am blind, I live off microwaved food. They're quite shocked that I love to cook as I find it very therapeutic. I much prefer to go out for a nice meal and a bottle of wine, than spend all night elbowing my way to the bar in a club. Although take note, guys, I'm not a cheap date. I like my starter, main and dessert, along with coffee and liqueurs! There is a theory that people who love food, love sex ... I'm saying nothing!
7 Mum. I wouldn't be the woman I am today had it not been for my mum – she is everything to me. I have been through so much in my life and she has always been there to support me. We are so alike and are the best of friends, although we can annoy each other too. Throughout my childhood, I always wanted to grow up to be just like her. When she saw how I coped with losing my sight, she said, "Jill, when I grow up … I want to be just like you." It was the greatest compliment she could have given me.
- The Daley Lunch airs noon-2pm, Monday to Friday, on the RNIB's Insight Radio. The radio station communicates the needs and interests of blind and partially sighted people. You can tune in online on
www.insightradio.co.uk, on Sky Channel 0188, on Freesat 777 and on 101FM in Glasgow.
The full article contains 686 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
