A blind veteran from Derbyshire is in the process of writing a cookbook of recipes which demonstrate essential techniques when cooking and visually-impaired.
Simon Mahoney, who is 73 and comes from Ashbourne, hopes to inspire blind people across the UK who may be scared of cooking to become confident and make meals from scratch themselves.
He is featured on the website of the charity Blind Veterans UK and is writing the book using a specially adapted PC and word-processing software supplied by the charity.
He said: “I can’t thank Blind Veterans UK enough for the support they’ve given me over the years. By training me up on this computer I’m now able to share my knowledge of cooing while blind with others in the same position as myself.”
The book will cover a variety of techniques from such basics as putting a chopping board on a tray to contain mess to using technology including audio- labelling cans for identification. The recipes will be graded by difficulty and will begin with making a cup of tea, progressing to producing a meal from scratch.
Simon said: “Cooking when you’re blind is no small task but over the years I’ve learnt all sorts of tips and tricks which can help enormously to stay safe and cook up a storm in the kitchen. I hope this book can help other visually-impaired people like myself to overcome their fears and start cooking.”
Blind Veterans UK reports that Simon served in the Royal Marines as a Junior Officer in the 1960s . From the age of 66 Glaucoma began to impair his vision and he lost his sight completely two years ago.
He said: “Blind Veterans UK have always been there alongside me to navigate the challenges that arise when adapting to life with sight loss.
“From practical support like white-cane training which has meant I’m able to get out and about in my local area to their general warmth and understanding nature they have been absolutely fantastic. Every day I thank God that I’m part of this wonderful charity.”
Simon gives back by volunteering as one of the charity’s telephone befrienders, calling other blind veterans who may be isolated or lonely.
The book, entitled “First Catch Your Rabbit”, will be released as an e-book and will be available before Christmas.
To find out more about Blind Veterans UK please visit https://www.blindveterans.org.uk/
